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Lavender Production and Characteristics: A Staple in Perfumery
The Stolbur phytoplasma wreaked havoc on the lavender essential oil harvest in France between 2005 and 2010, reducing it by 25% to 50% in 2011. Consequently, Bulgaria emerged as the leading lavender producer with harvests between 45 and 60 tons, as opposed to France's 30 tons. Notably, 90% of Bulgaria's lavender essential oil is intended for France. Lavenders are dicotyledonous shrub flowers with a characteristic purple or mauve hue. These plants thrive on sunny and dry calcareous ground, except for the Lavandula stoechas species, which prefers siliceous soil.
Fun Fact: Lavender essential oil can be produced using a traditional method that requires drying beforehand. This method is ideal for producing fine lavender. Alternatively, the "crushed green" distillation method, introduced in 1990 to increase productivity, allows the lavender flower to be distilled immediately after picking without prior drying.
With woody, aromatic, fresh, floral, and camphoric notes, lavender essential oil bears a slight mushroom scent and is a popular ingredient in perfumery.
Exploring Lavender Essential Oil in Perfumery
Although widely used in men's perfumes, lavender can also be found in some women's fragrances. Bulgari's Eau Parfumée au Thé Bleu, created in 2015, is a unisex fragrance that features the scent of lavender from the start. This fresh, natural, pure, and aromatic scent evokes a sense of well-being. Its spicy and green notes harmonize easily with lavender's aromas, symbolizing wisdom and discretion.
Fun Fact: Lavender essential oil has numerous benefits, including promoting relaxation, alleviating stress and anxiety, and even repelling insects.
Guerlain's Héritage perfume for men is also distinguished by its lavender note. Launched in 1992, this luxurious fragrance opens with the tangy freshness of lemon, the sweet scent of bergamot, and the aroma of lavender. The middle note features spices such as pink pepper and coriander, while the base note introduces patchouli's woody and oriental aspect.
Burberry's Brit Rhythm Femme is one of the lavender-based feminine fragrances. This unique scent showcases a cosmetic and creamy profile, as lavender is enveloped in powder, musk, talc, spices, and aldehydes. With olfactory notes of lavender, orange blossom, and vetiver, this fragrance exudes a feminine and rock-and-roll vibe.
Lavender's versatility and captivating aroma make it a popular choice for perfumers, adding a touch of elegance and character to a variety of fragrances.
