Tuberose Absolute is one of the most exotic and intoxicating materials of the plant kingdom, its aroma long recognized for its seductive aphrodisiac effects. Its value in the creation of high-quality perfumes cannot be overstated, making it one of the most important and most costly of perfume components. We were strongly encouraged by our Perfumer to buy this tuberose and we are delighted to offer it to you. We feel it is of the finest quality; its aroma is truly exquisite!
Plant Description: Native to Central America (mainly Mexico) where it grows wild; commercially cultivated in southern France (Grasse), Morocco, Taiwan, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and the Comoros Islands. Polianthes tuberosa is a stately perennial that grows to a height of 3 feet with long slender leaves, a tuberous root and a tall central spike topped with large, very fragrant white flowers. The single-flowered (highly fragrant) variety is grown for the extraction of its oil, while the double-flowered (less fragrant) variety is grown for the cut flower industry. The bulbs are sensitive to winterkill and are dug up in November, stored in a dry, airy place, and replanted in April. Blossoming of Tuberose is from July through September, and harvesting is carefully done by hand very early in the morning. Only those blossoms that are just starting to open are gathered the flowers continue to produce and exhale their fragrance for up to 48 hours after being picked.
The more costly and time-honored method of enfleurage of oils (developed commercially in the 17th century), requiring highly specialized personnel and equipment, is still used today to extract the aromatic oils from Tuberose (and only one other flower jasmine). This procedure is considered advantageous because both flowers hold their aroma after harvesting critical for the enfleurage process and the cost of extraction is offset by the fact that the oil yield is much greater than the yield via solvent extraction (described in the following paragraph). One is fortunate indeed when the precious enfleurage of Tuberose, rare and costly, is obtained!
Oil extraction using a solvent occurs as quickly as possible after harvest in a two step process. Giant receptacles, usually copper or stainless steel, are filled with tuberose blossoms and a solvent, most often hexane, in a manner that allows the solvent to be readily and continually in contact with each blossom. At the end of this process, the removal of the solvent by evaporation yields a waxy, aromatic mass called the concrete. The second stage of extraction is the process of washing the concrete in large amounts of alcohol. Removal of the insoluble waxy substances that separate out when the alcoholic solution is chilled is followed by removal of the alcohol via evaporation, leaving us with the beautiful aromatic plant oils known as absolutes. Although removal of the solvent and alcohol is as complete as possible (they are re-usable and therefore the more thorough the recovery, the more practical), there will always be traces of these materials in the absolute. Sometimes a certain small percentage of alcohol is intentionally retained in order that the end product is pourable and more easily used.
Historical/Traditional Uses: The use of solvents to extract aromatic constituents from botanical materials came about in recent history; the method was gradually developed and refined by a number of individuals and over a period of time during the early to late 19th century in the Grasse region in southern France, the center of aroma production, particularly florals. By 1890 the apparatus for solvent extraction had been sufficiently perfected so that this method could be developed in locations such as Germany, Italy, northern Africa and the Middle East, close to the sources of the plant material being processed, with Grasse leading the way in the expansion of the perfumers palettes with heretofore unavailable aromas. Many modern solvent extraction facilities worldwide currently furnish high-end perfume houses with these valuable materials, sometimes contracting entire crops of very rare floral absolutes (e.g., hyacinth, lily of the valley, narcissus, etc.) that are too prohibitively expensive for many outside the industry.
Applications (Uses and Indications): In aromatherapy, Tuberose Absolute is not recommended, due to the presence, albeit minute, of the solvents used in the extraction process. It is said that inhalation of Tuberose is beneficial where impotence and frigidity is indicated. When one wears Tuberose, the aroma embraces and provides protection of one’s energy and personal boundaries. In perfumery, Tuberose Absolute is considered a middle to base note of powerful tenacity and strong radiance. It is a principal component in the formulation of gardenia accords and blends well with balsam of Peru, carnation, citrus oils, jasmine, neroli, oakmoss, opopanax, orange blossom absolute, orris, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, violet leaf, and ylang ylang.
Contraindications (Safety and Precautions): Tuberose Absolute is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-toxic.