Patchouli made in Indonesia
Patchouli is a celebrated ingredient in the history of perfumery. Native to Indonesia, this plant has fascinated and inspired the greatest perfumers for decades. Rich in myth and a symbol of love and freedom, this essence reveals itself in countless ways in fragrant compositions.
The story :
The story of patchouli is one of travel. Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, patchouli is a shrub-like plant that grows to about one meter tall. Borne on a hairy stem, this plant is adorned with white flowers tinged with purple. It also has large, fluffy, minty-like leaves. When fresh, the plant is almost odorless. You'll need to dry its leaves to begin to smell its characteristic fragrance. Patchouli is used for medicinal purposes, in cooking, and even in magic to help you succeed financially or in love! Even today, it is cultivated in Indonesia, as well as in China and the Philippines.
Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, patchouli is a shrub-like plant that grows to about one meter tall. Borne on a hairy stem, this plant is adorned with white flowers tinged with purple. It also has large, fluffy, minty-like leaves. When fresh, the plant is almost odorless. You'll need to dry its leaves to begin to smell its characteristic fragrance. Patchouli is used for medicinal purposes, in cooking, and even in magic to help you succeed financially or in love! Even today, it is cultivated in Indonesia, as well as in China and the Philippines.
How is it extracted?
The oil is contained in the epidermis, in the stem, in the downy leaves, mainly in the 3 youngest.
The first harvest takes place when the plant is on average 7 months old, and then at 4-month intervals. Several harvests can be carried out on plants located at higher altitudes, unlike in lowland areas where the plants are often uprooted after the first harvest.
Post-harvest techniques:
The leaves are dried in the sun for about 5 hours and then placed on
shade. During drying, the weight of the leaves is divided by 4
about.
In perfumery :
Patchouli essence is one of the most widely used natural raw materials in perfumery, along with citrus fruits.
But what lies behind this molecule? A woody note, of course, but also earthy and damp emanations from its roots. Patchouli can evoke musty notes, reminiscent of overripe apples or wine corks. So, for perfumers, it's all about dosage and combination to bring out these different facets in a composition.
Patchouli is used as a fixative for more volatile notes, thanks to its stabilizing properties. To avoid overly heavy compositions, patchouli is never prominent. It wasn't until 1917 that François Coty brought patchouli to the forefront in his famous Chypre, which paved the way for a new era. olfactory familyPatchouli is found alongside bergamot and oakmoss in particular.
And finally, did you know?
It quickly became associated with "demi-mondaines," those women known as "cocottes" who were taken in hand by wealthy Parisians. Sometimes overpowering, but above all very daring, patchouli would long remain linked to the French expression "ça cocotte," used to denigrate its olfactory power, but especially the women who wore it! Very quickly, it became the perfume of seduction thanks to its captivating fragrance.
Other posts
