BULGARIA—World-famous brands such as Nina Ricci, Chanel, Christian Dior, Kenzo, Givenchy, and Gucci all refine rose oil as an essential ingredient for their fragrances—and now they turn their eyes to the Bulgarian rose.
Among the major producers of the precious substance are Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, Iran, France, and Italy. Currently, around 60 to 70 percent of the world-wide rose oil production is imported by France. However, the specific climate characteristics in Bulgaria make the Bulgarian rose oil more fragrant, and with more lasting aroma, which makes it more desired by rival fragrance producers, according to experts.
Internationally, the price of rose oil has been constantly rising due to the amount of work necessary to produce the valuable raw material. At present it costs 4,000 Euros (about $8,000) to produce about 2.2 pounds of the ingredient. However, experts from the Institute of Roses and Essential and Medical Cultures located in Bulgaria’s famous Rose Valley predict that due to increase in demand rose oil prices may skyrocket again.
The production of the valuable perfumery substance is extremely labor-consuming. To produce two pounds of rose oil extract, 5,500 to 6,600 pounds of roses petals are consumed. For that reason, the price of rose oil is often compared to the price of gold. In Bulgaria, for example, 0.002 lb of rose oil sells for 10 euros or almost $16.
The petals picking time lasts for only 20 days every year. In order to produce the most of rose oil and with the best quality, rose pickers go out to the fields at five o’clock in the morning. The rose flowers are then harvested before the morning dew evaporates. According to experts, the roses harvested on two different mornings will yield rose oil with different characteristics.
The rose oil is not only used in the perfumery and cosmetics. Brandy and preserves are also made from roses. Rose oil extracts are used as medicine for some diseases.
Americans have discovered yet another application of the rose oil—it is used to treat space-shuttle equipment since the rose oil is resistant to any temperatures.
Rose oil is contained even in the most expensive perfume, named “Her Majesty First,” which has recently been displayed for sale in Spain. A bottle of 500 mL of “Her Majesty First” costs 195,000 euros. One droplet of the luxurious liquid contains the essential oil of at least 170 roses. The costly perfume is by Clive Christian and takes one year to make.
Among the major producers of the precious substance are Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, Iran, France, and Italy. Currently, around 60 to 70 percent of the world-wide rose oil production is imported by France. However, the specific climate characteristics in Bulgaria make the Bulgarian rose oil more fragrant, and with more lasting aroma, which makes it more desired by rival fragrance producers, according to experts.
Internationally, the price of rose oil has been constantly rising due to the amount of work necessary to produce the valuable raw material. At present it costs 4,000 Euros (about $8,000) to produce about 2.2 pounds of the ingredient. However, experts from the Institute of Roses and Essential and Medical Cultures located in Bulgaria’s famous Rose Valley predict that due to increase in demand rose oil prices may skyrocket again.
The production of the valuable perfumery substance is extremely labor-consuming. To produce two pounds of rose oil extract, 5,500 to 6,600 pounds of roses petals are consumed. For that reason, the price of rose oil is often compared to the price of gold. In Bulgaria, for example, 0.002 lb of rose oil sells for 10 euros or almost $16.
The petals picking time lasts for only 20 days every year. In order to produce the most of rose oil and with the best quality, rose pickers go out to the fields at five o’clock in the morning. The rose flowers are then harvested before the morning dew evaporates. According to experts, the roses harvested on two different mornings will yield rose oil with different characteristics.
The rose oil is not only used in the perfumery and cosmetics. Brandy and preserves are also made from roses. Rose oil extracts are used as medicine for some diseases.
Americans have discovered yet another application of the rose oil—it is used to treat space-shuttle equipment since the rose oil is resistant to any temperatures.
Rose oil is contained even in the most expensive perfume, named “Her Majesty First,” which has recently been displayed for sale in Spain. A bottle of 500 mL of “Her Majesty First” costs 195,000 euros. One droplet of the luxurious liquid contains the essential oil of at least 170 roses. The costly perfume is by Clive Christian and takes one year to make.
