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The origins of blackcurrant
Blackcurrant is a black berry with smooth skin, most often forming clusters, strongly aromatic and topped by the remains of the calyxes of flowers from which they come. The origin of this fruit is particularly ancient. Indeed, blackcurrant was already known to the Greeks and Romans. Archaeologists have even been able to get their hands on a first testimony of its therapeutic action dating from the 12th century. This describes blackcurrant as a way to cure gout attacks. Likewise, it highlights the benefits of its leaves against insect bites. At the same time, in 1571, the botanist Gaspard Bauhin described it as a table fruit. At that time, it was then associated with many medicinal virtues, in particular as a remedy against migraines, fever and rheumatism. VS'is from the nineteenth century, that this fruit was used as a liqueur. Even today, blackcurrant is a fruit recognized for its many health benefits. It contains various vitamins of the B group, except B12, and is very interesting in the context of pregnancy. Indeed, it allows the proper development of the fetus, especially during the first trimester. In addition, this berry helps to fight effectively against various allergies. Finally, its content rich in minerals, especially potassium and magnesium, as well as its fibers promote digestion and fight against cholesterol. In other words, the reputation of blackcurrant is well established and its culture is very present in the region of Burgundy. The Côte-d 'Gold thus appears to be the French leader in the production of this fruit with 40% of the tonnages produced. At the global level, on the other hand, this place is occupied by Russia.
Blackcurrant in perfumery
On the scent side, blackcurrant turns out to be just as astonishing as it is in terms of medicinal properties. In addition, it is one of the few fruits that can be used in natural form. Perfumers use both the leaves and the bud. To do this, its scent is extracted with solvent. The blackcurrant then gives an absolute to the green, sour, sour, bitter and animal scent. Blackcurrant buds are harvested at the start of the year and turn out to be a very expensive product. Thus, it is a raw material exclusively reserved for luxury perfumery. It mainly displays its presence in cool waters or in masculine scents with the scent of conifers.
Despite its exorbitant price, blackcurrant remains an ingredient widely used by the biggest luxury houses. He is notably present in Le Monde est Beau by Kenzo, in Chamade by Guerlain, in Corsica Furiosa by Parfum d'Empire or in Vent de Folie by Annick Goutal.
