Organic Afghan Rose Essential Oil

Description

Afghan Rose is one of the most highly valued Rosa Damascena varieties in the world.
With a tradition spanning more than 500 years, it is used in cooking as a food seasoning, a jam base and even a garnish for Arab dishes.

Our variety is the summer one (morphologically identical to the autumn variety, but with a subtler aroma). Harvesting is carried out by hand from dawn, while dew still covers the Rosa Damascena petals, and ends before sunrise is complete. It is a very perishable rose, so it must be distilled the same day to avoid losing its properties.

Rosa Damascena petals contain vitamins and antioxidants. Antioxidant activity is also attributed to the essential oil, along with antiseptic, antibacterial and wound-healing properties.

Differences from Bulgarian Otto.
One of the most significant differences is that Afghan Rose is harvested before sunrise (sunlight on the petals reduces its properties and distillation yield) and distilled almost immediately, while Bulgarian Otto Rose (Rosa Damascena from Bulgaria) is harvested until midday and distilled hours later.
Their aromas are very similar, but given the intensity of both, only the most expert noses can appreciate all the nuances that distinguish them.

Their biochemical compositions are similar, with variations observed in geraniol and citronellol (their main molecules), something that can also vary from harvest to harvest.

Differences from rose absolutes.
Rosa Damascena absolute is produced very differently from steam-distilled oils. Its composition is therefore different. As absolutes are obtained using solvents such as hexane (described as a food solvent), the essential oil contains more than 60% phenethyl alcohol (a natural aromatic alcohol synthesised by the rose) and other constituents, but also solvent residues and ethyl alcohol (used to extract the absolute), which prohibit its use in food.
Poor practices and adulteration are also common among absolutes, meaning they may contain other undeclared substances and be extracted using benzyl benzoate or diethyl phthalate (prohibited in Europe). Choosing a reliable source is recommended when obtaining a good rose absolute.

Steam-distilled Rosa Damascena oils have a more intense aroma, are suitable for use in food (aromatic tea, infusions, cooking, etc.) and have a far more complex composition.
Producing just one litre of essential oil usually requires 4 tonnes of fresh petals.

Availability and harvesting.
This Organic Afghan Rose essential oil is distilled only once a year, preferably in July, with no further production until the following year. As it is a very exclusive oil sought after by major companies, we can obtain only small batches, so stock is limited.

The Damask rose is probably a hybrid produced by crossing Rosa gallica and Rosa phoenicia, or perhaps Rosa moschata.
Considered the queen of flowers, it symbolises love, purity and passion. The rose is often associated with female deities (Venus or Aphrodite, Lakshmi) and the Virgin Mary.

Damask rose essential oil is obtained from the petals. Between 4 and 5 tonnes of petals are needed to obtain 1 litre of its precious essence. It is one of the most complex essential oils, with around 500 compounds described.

Rose essential oil is a great ally when we need to regain our emotional balance and navigate adverse life events.
We can turn to it for support during times of sadness, loss and life transitions, and whenever we seek a 100% natural perfume that will contribute to our emotional wellbeing.
It is a very interesting neurocosmetic and anti-ageing active ingredient.

It should be mentioned that rose essential oil solidifies in the cold (below 18 degrees). To return it to its liquid state, hold it in your hands for a moment or run the bottle under hot water.

Appearance: Clear liquid, light yellow to light orange

Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and oil, insoluble in water

Precautions

Do not use during the first trimester of pregnancy or on children under 6 years of age unless under professional supervision.

Taxonomy

Botanical name: Rosa damascena - Family: Rosaceae - Genus: Rosa