Damask Rose Hydrosol
Roses are considered to be some of the most popular and well known flowers in the world. With their pleasant aroma and beautiful petals, roses of many different species are found in gardens and scented products, with the timeless and ever loved damask rose finding its way into the natural fragrance library behind Beaverton’s cold process soaps.
The damask rose (Rosa damascena) grows with fragrant, multipetaled blooms, which range in color from soft pink to deep red. It typically grows as a bushy shrub with dark green pinnate leaves. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and requires a sunny location, often flourishing in temperate climates with mild winters and hot summers. The damask rose is believed to have originated in the Middle East within a region that includes parts of modern-day Iran, Syria, and Turkey. The name for this particular species of rose is derived from the city of Damascus in Syria, a historic center for commerce and culture where the flower was cultivated and traded. While its native habitat is characterized by mountain valleys, hillsides, and riverbanks, the Damask rose is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world.
The history of the damask rose stretches back to the days of ancient Persia, where it was prized for its fragrance and beauty. The damask rose was an important symbol of luxury and refinement, especially in the Middle East and Europe. Its petals were used for perfumes and medicinal purposes, while the image of the flower was seen to represent love and beauty. During the time of the Crusades trade of damask rose began to spread across Europe, and by the 16th century it was widely cultivated in European gardens. Come the 18th century, the Damask rose was most prominently valued for its fragrant essential oil. Today, it continues to be cultivated in countries like Bulgaria, Turkey, and Morocco.
The damask rose also has a rich history of culinary use, which centred on the flavour of its petals. In many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, Damask rose is used to infuse dishes and beverages with its floral notes. Made from distilling the flowers, “rose water” is a key ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes like baklava, Turkish delight, and rose flavored cakes. It is also used in drinks such as tea, lemonade, and cocktails. The petals themselves are also used in jams, syrups, and preserves. In some cultures the petals are candied and used as decoration for cakes or as a sweet snack.
Among the most iconic floral ingredients in the world of perfumery, damask rose essential oil is revered for its rich and complex fragrance. Its delicate yet powerful scent is characterized by a blend of floral, fruity, and slightly spicy notes. Essential oil of the damask rose is extracted through steam distillation of its petals, a process that requires an immense quantity of flowers; around 4,000 to 5,000 kilograms of petals are needed to produce just one kilogram of rose essential oil. For this reason, the aqueous non-oily byproduct of the rose distillation process, known as ‘hydrosol’, is often conserved and used as a source of fragrance. This rarity and the oil's luxurious scent make damask rose oil one of the most sought after ingredients in the perfume industry. The rose's versatile scent blends beautifully with other floral, woody, or citrus notes, enhancing the complexity of perfumes and adding depth to their overall fragrance profile.
The primary components of damask rose extracts include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and alcohols, with the most significant being citronellol, geraniol, nerol, and phenylethyl alcohol. Citronellol and geraniol are responsible for the sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy notes, while nerol contributes a crisp aroma. Phenylethyl alcohol imparts a delicate honey-like scent and is also associated with its calming and mood lifting properties. Other notable constituents include rose oxide and farnesol, which provide a fresh character.
With its rich fragrance, damask rose enhances the appeal of Beaverton’s handmade soaps by providing a gentle soothing scent. A timeless symbol of elegance, the inclusion of damask rose Beaverton’s bar soaps elevates one’s daily routine, making it a cherished ingredient in natural personal care products.