Blackberry in perfumery
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Wild Blackberries: A Timeless Delight for Mankind
Wild blackberries, the raspberry's cousin, flourish in brambles during warm summer days. The first traces of blackberry consumption can be found in 2000-year-old hunter-gatherer dwellings, revealing the fruit's ancient origins.
In Greek mythology, blackberries were believed to have originated from the blood of the Titans, a famous tribe associated with the war of the gods. The Greeks consumed blackberries to alleviate sore throats, while over the centuries, the fruit gradually made its way to the West, where it was consumed directly or used as a remedy for stomach aches and snake venom.
Blackberries made a relatively late entrance in perfumery due to the impossibility of extracting essential oil or absolute from them. Modern chemistry has enabled the development of synthetic molecules, including various musks, which successfully replicate the sweet and deliciously woody scent of wild blackberries.
Floral and Fruity Fragrances Seeking Wild Blackberry Notes
One of the most well-known blackberry-based perfumes is "Blackberry and Musk" by L'Artisan Parfumeur, created in 1978. Many consider it to be one of the first fruity scents, and it remains one of L'Artisan Parfumeur's greatest successes. This refined citrus-chypre fragrance is also a must-have for fans of musky (synthetic) scents. The white musk notes enveloped in blackberry and accompanied by citrus top notes create a sparkling and deliciously enveloping scent with a gentle, cottony warmth.
Inspired by the success of floral blends and wild blackberry notes, numerous floral scents were developed to create both bucolic and more pronounced, tenacious fragrances. Furthermore, the fruity-floral trend, which has evolved into a distinct olfactory family, has led to the creation of exceptional blackberry-based fragrances such as J'Adore by Dior, Balenciaga Paris L'Eau Rose by Balenciaga, "Amethyst Éclat" by Lalique, and "Daisy Dream" by Marc Jacobs.
Wild blackberry, sometimes used as a top note for its freshness and fruitiness, or as a middle note for its deep, woody characteristics, has inspired creators of women's perfumes. Floral, chypre, and even certain woody feminine fragrances have incorporated the enticing black fruit. The deep, bold notes of blackberry continue to evolve and expand, and the fruit is often used in red fruit blends. However, there is no sign of blackberry in men's perfumery yet. Perhaps, with the growing demand for fresh scents among men, this deep and fruity aroma will soon make an appearance in their fragrance collections.
Fun Facts About Blackberries
- Blackberries have been used as a natural dye and ink by various cultures throughout history.
- Blackberry leaves, when brewed into a tea, are believed to have medicinal properties, including relieving inflammation and gastrointestinal issues.
- Blackberries are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
