How Many Pounds of Roses are Needed to Produce 1 Pound of Rose Essential Oil?
To produce 1 pound of rose essential oil, approximately 10,000 pounds of rose flowers are required. This translates to a very low yield of about 0.01-0.03% essential oil from the petals[3][4][5].
What is the Extraction Efficiency for Rose Essential Oil?
The extraction efficiency varies between steam distillation and solvent extraction. Steam distillation yields about 1 pound of oil per 10,000 pounds of roses, while solvent extraction can yield nearly 7 pounds of oil per 10,000 pounds of roses, making it more efficient[1][4].
What are the Different Rose Varieties Used for Essential Oil Production?
Rosa Damascena
This is one of the most commonly used varieties for rose essential oil production. It yields about 0.02-0.03% essential oil from the petals. For example, it takes around 5 tonnes of roses to obtain 1 kg (2.2 pounds) of essential oil[3][5].
Rosa Centifolia
This variety is also used, particularly in France, and is extracted using volatile solvents to produce rose absolute. The yield is similar to Rosa Damascena, with a low percentage of essential oil extracted from the petals[3].
What is the Cost Analysis for Rose Essential Oil Production?
The cost of sourcing roses for essential oil production is high due to the large quantity of flowers required. Here are some general insights:
Raw Material Cost
Given that 10,000 pounds of roses are needed for 1 pound of essential oil, the cost can be substantial. The exact cost depends on the region, quality, and market conditions. For instance, in Bulgaria, where rose cultivation is extensive, the cost of raw materials can vary, but the overall process remains expensive due to the low yield[3][4].
Market Prices
The price of rose essential oil can range widely. For example, Bulgarian Rose Absolute Oil can cost around $42 for 5ml (0.17 Fl Oz) to $423 for 100ml (3.38 Fl Oz)[4].
Bulk Purchasing Options
Bulk purchasing can sometimes reduce the cost per unit, but the overall expense remains high due to the inherent low yield of rose essential oil. Companies like Alteya, which specialize in organic Bulgarian Rose Oil, offer bulk orders but at a significant cost due to the high-quality and certified organic nature of the product[4].
