Lance Carson
Flowers have a variety of scents, and it is possible to extract their fragrances through various methods. One popular method is enfleurage, which involves steeping flowers in alcohol or pressing them into fats. Another method involves using a double boiler with distilled water and fresh blossoms, with an empty bowl placed in the centre to collect the fragrance. The fragrance can then be transferred to a jar. Alternatively, one can use a jar with oil and petals, leaving it in a sunny place for 24 hours, and then straining the oil to be used as perfume.
How to get fragrance from flowers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flowers to use | Roses, lilies, carnations, jasmine flowers, lilac |
| Parts of flowers to use | Petals |
| Tools | Jars, pestle and mortar, strainer, spoon, glass bowl, double boiler, mesh insert, plastic pipette, glass oil jar, plastic bottle |
| Oils | Olive oil, corn oil, sesame oil, sweet almond oil, babassu oil, coconut oil, palm oil shortening |
| Other ingredients | Vitamin E, distilled water, ice |
| Process | Crush and bruise petals, add oil, leave in a warm place for 12-24 hours, strain oil, repeat process for 3 days, store oil |
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What You'll Learn
Using a double boiler
A double boiler is a great way to extract the fragrance from flowers. The process involves the distillation of essential oils from the flowers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a double boiler to extract fragrance from flowers:
Firstly, you need to gather your materials. You will need a double boiler, which consists of a bottom pot and an upper pot or bowl. If you don't have a double boiler, you can easily make your own by using a large pot and a shallow, heat-resistant bowl that can fit snugly on top of it. It is recommended to use a glass or ceramic bowl instead of a metal one as they heat up slower and more evenly, giving you more control over the process.
Once you have your double boiler set up, fill the bottom pot or chamber with distilled water. The water level should be about one to two inches (or 5.08 centimetres) high, ensuring that the bottom of the upper pot or bowl is not touching the water. You can always adjust the water level as needed during the process.
Now it's time to add your flowers. Place fresh flower blossoms directly into the water in the bottom pot. You can experiment with different blends of flowers to create your own unique fragrance. Three pounds of roses, jasmine flowers, and lilacs, for example, create a flirty and feminine scent when distilled together.
Next, place the mesh insert into the boiler over the flowers and water. Then, sit an empty glass bowl directly in the centre of the boiler's mesh insert. This will collect the flower's fragrance.
Fill the upside-down pot lid with ice. As the water in the bottom pot starts to boil, the ice will cause condensation, which contains a concentrated form of the flower's fragrance. The condensation will drip into the glass bowl, collecting the scent. Make sure to change the ice frequently and dump out the melted ice as needed.
After about 10 minutes of boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue this process for around 24 hours, depending on the strength of fragrance you desire. Then, using oven mitts, carefully remove the glass bowl from the pot.
Finally, collect the fragrant oil that has collected in the glass bowl. Use a plastic pipette to suck up the oil and squirt it into a glass oil jar. Your flower-scented oil is now ready to be used or stored! Depending on the quality and amount of flowers used, three pounds of blossoms should yield about half an ounce of essential oil.
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Choosing the right flowers
Fragrance Intensity:
The fragrance intensity of a flower is an important consideration. Some flowers have a more subtle scent, while others are highly fragrant. It is worth noting that the fragrance intensity of a flower is not always apparent by simply smelling it. For example, roses may not have a very strong floral scent when fresh, but they can produce a more intense fragrance when their petals are extracted.
Bloom Stage:
The stage of bloom can significantly impact the fragrance of a flower. Flowers that are just beginning to open tend to have the most fragrance. On the other hand, flowers in full bloom may have a less intense scent as their fragrance has already started to fade. Therefore, it is advisable to pick flowers early in the morning when their oils are at their peak.
Petals:
The petals are the most important part of the flower for fragrance extraction. Ensure that the flowers you choose have a good number of petals. The petals are where the majority of the fragrant essential oils are found. Remove the petals from the flowers and use only them in the extraction process.
Experimentation:
It is worth experimenting with different types of flowers to find the most suitable for your needs. You can try blending two or more flowers to create unique fragrances. Additionally, consider trying different herbs or even edible flowers to add interesting dimensions to your fragrances.
Accessibility and Availability:
Consider the accessibility and availability of the flowers you choose. Opt for flowers that are easily accessible and available in your region. This will make the fragrance extraction process more convenient and cost-effective.
Remember, the key to choosing the right flowers is to trust your sense of smell and be adventurous in your selections. By considering the above factors, you can make informed decisions and maximise the potential of your fragrance extraction endeavours.
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Picking the right time
Once you have picked the flowers, you will need to remove the petals and place them in an airtight container. You can use a jar or a zippered food storage bag. If using a jar, cram as many flowers into the jar as possible. If using a bag, seal the bag and lightly tap it with a wooden mallet to bruise the petals and release the fragrance oils.
After preparing the petals, you will need to add a known volume of oil. Olive oil is an inexpensive option that works well as a carrier oil. Other options include sweet almond oil, which adds a distinctive fragrance of its own, or babassu oil, which is recommended for enfleurage, a method of extracting the aroma of flowers into a usable oil base.
If using olive oil or sweet almond oil, cover the petals with oil and set the container on a sunny windowsill. Allow the petals to soak for 24 hours, then strain the oil through a double layer of cheesecloth or a strainer. If using babassu oil for enfleurage, heat the oil until it becomes fully liquid, then add the petals. Keep the mixture in a warm place and replace the petals with fresh ones every 12-24 hours until the desired fragrance level is achieved.
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Using a carrier oil
Prepare the Flowers
Start by removing the petals from your chosen flowers. It is important to ensure that the petals are fresh and undamaged, as this will impact the final fragrance. You will need a good amount of petals to achieve a strong fragrance, so be generous with your collection. Place the petals in a zippered food storage bag and lightly tap them with a wooden mallet to bruise them slightly and help release their fragrance.
Choose Your Carrier Oil
The type of carrier oil you use will depend on your preference and the desired result. Some popular options include olive oil, sweet almond oil, babassu oil, coconut oil, corn oil, sesame oil, or jojoba oil. Each carrier oil has its own unique properties and scent, so consider which one aligns best with your intended use.
Infuse the Fragrance
Place the bruised petals in a glass jar or bowl and cover them with your chosen carrier oil. Ensure that all the petals are completely submerged in the oil. Close the jar or cover the bowl and store it in a warm, dark place. The ideal temperature range is between 75°F and 80°F (23.8°C to 26.6°C). Allow the petals to infuse in the oil for 24 hours.
Repeat the Process
After the initial infusion, remove the petals from the oil and discard them. Prepare a new batch of petals following the previous steps. Pour the infused oil over the fresh petals and repeat the process. Continue this step for at least three days or until you achieve the desired fragrance strength. The longer you infuse the petals, the stronger the scent will become.
Store Your Fragrant Oil
Once you are happy with the fragrance, strain the oil through a double layer of cheesecloth or a fine sieve to remove any remaining petal fragments. Store your homemade floral-scented oil in a glass bottle and keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
It is important to note that creating fragrance oils from flowers can be a time-consuming process, and the scent may fade over time. However, with patience and experimentation, you can create a natural and delightful floral fragrance using a carrier oil of your choice.
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Storing the fragrance
Once you have extracted the fragrance from your flowers, there are a few ways to store it. One option is to use a rollerball container or a miniature spray bottle. This method is suitable for both alcohol-based perfumes and oil-based perfumes. If you are using a spray bottle, it is important to note that the fragrance will only last for about a month when stored in a cool and dark place.
Another option is to use a jar or any airtight container. This is a good method if you plan to add new petals or oils to your fragrance over time. You can also use this method if you want to display your fragrance as a decorative item.
When storing your fragrance, it is important to consider the shelf life of the ingredients you have used. For example, if you have used fresh flower petals, your perfume will likely have a shorter shelf life than if you had used essential oils.
To extend the shelf life of your fragrance, you can add preservatives. However, if you prefer to use natural ingredients, you can simply store your fragrance in a cool, dark place and use it within a few months.
It is also important to consider the concentration of your fragrance. If you have used a highly concentrated oil or alcohol, your fragrance may be too strong and need to be diluted before use. On the other hand, if your fragrance is too weak, you can add more petals or essential oils to strengthen it.
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