Anisha Riggs
Damask is a type of rose that is considered to be a hybrid species, cultivated in Syria and now mainly grown in Morocco, Bulgaria's Valley of Roses, and Turkey. The Damask rose, or Rosa x damascena, is a centuries-old fragrance that is highly prized by perfumers. The process of extracting the oil makes it more precious than other essential oils, requiring four tonnes of rose petals to produce one kilo of essential oil. The petals are harvested early in the morning and distilled within 24 hours, resulting in a unique, spicy fragrance with notes of honey and citrus. The Damask rose is known for its subtle, sensual, and sweet scent, making it a popular choice for perfumes and fragrances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of fragrance | Rose-based, with notes of pear, citrus, honey, and spice |
| Use cases | Perfumes, essential oils, and absolutes |
| Cultivation | Initially in Syria, now mainly in Morocco, Bulgaria's Valley of Roses, and Turkey |
| Extraction | Requires four tonnes of rose petals harvested within 24 hours to produce one kilo of essential oil |
| Price | A 2ml vial of damask rose essential oil costs approximately 40 euros |
| Scents | "Baronne de Prevost," "Salet," "Stardance," and "Jacques Cartier/Mme. Boccella" |
| Perfumes | Ormonde Jayne, Delina, Blouse, Atomic Rose, Empyrean by Tomavicci, and Crabtree and Evelyn |
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What You'll Learn
Damask rose: a centuries-old fragrance
The Damask rose, or Rosa x damascena, is a hybrid species of rose that originated in the Orient, specifically Syria. Today, it is mainly grown in Morocco, Bulgaria's Valley of Roses, and Turkey. The Damask rose is a centuries-old fragrance with a rich history that dates back to ancient times.
The process of extracting Damask rose oil makes it more valuable than other essential oils. Approximately four tonnes of rose petals are required to produce a single kilogram of essential oil. The petals are carefully harvested early in the morning and must be distilled within 24 hours to capture their delicate fragrance. This labour-intensive process contributes to the high cost of Damask rose oil, with a small 2ml vial priced at approximately 40 euros.
The unique scent of the Damask rose is described as sweet and honey-like, with subtle spicy notes. The fermentation of the rose petals during the short time between harvesting and distillation contributes to its distinct fragrance. The Damask rose has been a favourite among perfumers for centuries, valued for its elegant, romantic, and sensual qualities.
The ancient Greek poet Sappho crowned the rose "queen of flowers" in her famous lyric poem "Song of the Rose", reflecting the flower's enduring association with beauty and love. Today, the Damask rose continues to inspire perfumers and gardeners alike, with its complex and captivating fragrance.
The Damask rose has been used in perfumery for centuries, with modern interpretations ranging from crisp and clean to sexy and elegant. The Ormonde Jayne Damask fragrance, for example, is described as having "soft fizz" and being a "contemporary, fizzy rose". The Crabtree and Evelyn Damask Rose fragrance is described as "heady, bright and sweet, almost honey-like". These fragrances showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of the Damask rose scent.
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Damask rose oil extraction
Damask rose oil is extracted from the petals of the Rosa damascena flower, also known as the Damask rose. This flower is cultivated in various regions, including Turkey, Bulgaria, Iran, and Morocco, and is widely used in the production of rose oil, rose water, and perfumes. The extraction process plays a crucial role in determining the characteristics and quality of the resulting essential oil.
One traditional method of extracting Damask rose oil is through hydrodistillation (HD). This technique involves the use of a heater to support the distillation process. However, traditional HD has been found to be time-consuming and less efficient compared to more advanced methods.
To address the limitations of conventional HD, researchers have explored green and sustainable extraction techniques, such as Solvent-Free Microwave-Assisted Extraction (SFME) and Ohmic Assisted Hydrodistillation (OAHD). These modern methods utilize microwave and ohmic heating processes, respectively, to extract the essential oils from the delicate Damask rose petals.
SFME and OAHD offer significant advantages over traditional HD in terms of extraction time and yield. SFME, for instance, can achieve the desired temperature of nearly 100 °C much faster than HD, reducing the total extraction time. Additionally, the chemical profile of the extracted oil may vary depending on the extraction method, influencing the scent and therapeutic properties of the final product.
For a simple at-home extraction of Damask rose oil, one can follow these steps:
- Pluck fresh Damask rose petals and collect them in a wide-mouthed vessel.
- Place a clean stone wrapped in a cloth inside the vessel.
- Add a small plate on top of the stone, which will collect the rose oil.
- Pour a cup of clean water into the vessel, ensuring that it just covers the rose petals.
- Place the vessel with the rose petals on a stove and bring the water to a boil.
- Once the water starts boiling, place a round-bottomed frying pan on top of the vessel.
- Fill the frying pan with cold water to about two-thirds of its capacity. Change the water frequently if it gets hot.
- As the water vapor and rose oil condense at the bottom of the pan, they will form droplets that fall into the small plate below.
- Allow the liquid to cool, and then tilt the plate to separate the rose oil from the water using a clean syringe.
The Damask rose oil extraction process, whether through industrial methods or at home, requires rapid execution due to the highly perishable nature of the flowers. The resulting oil is valued for its fragrance and therapeutic benefits, making it a precious and sought-after ingredient in the perfume and cosmetics industries.
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Damask rose cultivation
The Damask rose, or Rosa × damascena, is a cultivated flower that is not found growing in the wild. It is a rose hybrid, derived from Rosa gallica and Rosa moschata, with some genetic contributions from a third species, Rosa fedtschenkoana. This probable origin in the foothills of Central Asia or Iran was initially cultivated in Syria and brought to Europe by the Crusaders during the Second Crusade in 1148. Today, it is mainly grown in Morocco, the Valley of Roses in Bulgaria, and Turkey.
The Damask rose is optimally cultivated in hedgerows to protect the blooms from wind damage and facilitate harvesting. In Bulgaria, long hedges are used, while in Turkey, individual plants are spaced apart along trenches. The harvesting period for roses depends on weather conditions and location, lasting up to a month in cooler weather and as little as 16-20 days in hotter seasons. The petals are harvested early in the morning and must be distilled within 24 hours. The labour-intensive process requires four tonnes of rose petals to produce a single kilogram of essential oil, making it more precious than other essential oils.
The Damask rose has been cultivated since Roman times and is used in a variety of ways. The roses are commercially harvested for their oil, which is used in perfumery and to make rose water, rose concrete, and rose absolute. The petals are edible and can be used to flavour food, as a garnish, in herbal tea, or preserved in sugar as gulkand. They are also used in cooking as a spice or flavouring ingredient, such as in the spice mixture ras el hanout.
The fragrance of the Damask rose has been captured and preserved for centuries, particularly in the Middle East and later in the Indian subcontinent. While modern Western cookery does not often use roses or rose water, it was a popular ingredient in ancient times and during the Renaissance, especially in desserts such as marzipan and turrón. In Middle Eastern cuisine, rose water is commonly sprinkled on meat dishes, while rose powder is added to sauces and desserts. The whole flowers or petals are used in herbal tea blends like zuhurat.
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Damask rose in perfumes
The Damask rose, also known as the Turkish rose or Moroccan rose, is a type of rose that is native to Damascus, Syria. With a rich, dark red colour and a deep, hypnotic scent, it has long been a symbol of love, devotion, and intimacy. The process of extracting Damask rose oil makes it more precious than other essential oils—approximately four tonnes of rose petals are required to produce just one kilo of essential oil. The petals are harvested early in the morning and must be distilled within 24 hours. This laborious process means that a small 2ml vial of Damask rose oil costs around 40 euros.
The unique scent of the Damask rose has been described as metallic, bright, or even honey-like, differing from the scent of a typical bouquet of roses. Its fragrance has been incorporated into various perfumes, including the unisex Damask Ormonde Jayne, which combines the scent of rose with fruity notes; the Damascus Rose by Alexandria, which blends rose with earthy vetiver, spicy cumin, and deep musk; and Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet, which features refreshing top notes of Sicilian orange essence that unfold into a heart of pink peony and damask rose.
The Damask rose's versatility as a fragrance is evident in its ability to cater to a range of preferences. For those who enjoy a bold yet subtle scent, the Damascus Rose by Alexandria offers a unique combination of sweet and earthy, masculine and feminine notes. The Damask Ormonde Jayne, on the other hand, presents a more classic and timeless fragrance, suitable for wear across a range of ages.
The Damask rose's rarity and complex extraction process contribute to its high value, making it a luxurious and sophisticated choice for perfumers and fragrance enthusiasts alike. Its ability to evoke a sense of self-discovery, along with its symbolism of love and devotion, adds to the allure of the Damask rose in the world of perfumes.
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Damask rose scent
The Damask rose, also known as the ""Rose of Castile" or "Damascus Rose", is a hybrid of two different roses: a wild rose species and the Gallica rose. It is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean and spread to Europe via the Middle East and Damascus (hence the name "Damask") in the early Middle Ages. The Damask rose is known for its unique and robust fragrance, making it a popular ingredient in modern perfumes and cosmetics.
The process of extracting the essential oil from Damask roses involves distillation and makes the oil more precious than other varieties. Approximately four tonnes of rose petals are required to produce just one kilogram of essential oil. The petals are harvested early in the morning and must be distilled within 24 hours. This labour-intensive process is why a small 2ml vial of Damask rose oil costs around 40 euros.
The Damask rose has a rich, dark red colour and a deep, sensual scent. It has been a symbol of love, devotion, and intimacy for centuries. The fragrance is often described as heady, bright, and sweet, with hints of honey. Some people find it similar to the scent of candy lipsticks from the 1960s. The Damask rose is also used to create rose water, which has been used for cosmetic, spiritual, and medicinal purposes. Cleopatra, the ancient Egyptian queen, is said to have bathed in rose water, believing it to be beneficial for her skin.
The Ormonde Jayne Damask perfume is a popular fragrance that showcases the Damask rose scent. It is described as a "sexy", "elegant", and modern take on the classic rose fragrance, with a soft fizz and fruity top notes. It is a versatile scent that can be worn by people of all ages and has good longevity without being overpowering.
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Frequently asked questions
Damask fragrance is a scent derived from the Damask rose, also known as Rosa x damascena. It is a hybrid species of rose that is believed to have originated in Central Asia. The fragrance is described as sweet with a hint of honey and spicy notes.
The Damask rose is a centuries-old fragrance that is said to have originated in the Orient, specifically Syria. Today, it is mainly cultivated in Morocco, Bulgaria's Valley of Roses, and Turkey. The method of extraction for Damask rose oil makes it more precious than other essential oils, requiring approximately four tonnes of rose petals to produce one kilo of oil.
Some popular Damask fragrances include the Ormonde Jayne perfume, which is described as a "sexy, classy, and elegant" scent, as well as the Crabtree and Evelyn Damask Rose perfume, which is said to be "heady, bright, and sweet."
