What is Attar of Roses?
Attar of roses, also known as rose otto or rose absolute, is a highly concentrated, aromatic essential oil extracted from rose petals. It is a prized fragrance used in perfumes, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. The process of making attar of roses involves a unique method of infusion and maceration rather than traditional distillation.
How to Make Attar of Roses: A Detailed Guide
What You’ll Need
- Fresh, organic, and pesticide-free rose petals (approximately 1 lb or 450 grams)
- Carrier oil (such as sandalwood oil or jojoba oil)
- Glass jars or containers
- Plastic pipette (for extraction)
Step 1: Prepare the Rose Petals
Gather fresh rose petals and ensure they are clean and dry. Lightly crush the rose petals by hand to release their fragrance.
Step 2: Combine Rose Petals with Carrier Oil
Method 1 (Using Sandalwood Oil):
Pour 6 oz of concentrated sandalwood oil into a wide-mouth canning jar. Add 1 lb of fresh rose petals to the sandalwood oil. Close the jar tightly and place it in a dark, dry location for about two weeks.
Method 2 (Using Jojoba Oil):
Heat 1/2 cup of jojoba oil over low heat. Add the crushed rose petals to the warm jojoba oil and stir gently. Keep the mixture over low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it cool, then strain the oil to separate it from the rose petals.
Step 3: Mash and Infuse
Method 1:
After two weeks, unscrew the lid and mash the soaking petals with a hand masher to express the fragrant flower oils further. Cover the jar again and let it sit for another week, mashing the petals every other day.
Method 2:
No additional mashing is required after straining. You can add essential oils like lavender or sandalwood if desired.
Step 4: Extract and Store
Method 1:
Extract the resulting attar oil from the jar using a plastic pipette and transfer it to a glass oil vial or decorative attar bottle.
Method 2:
Pour the strained rose-scented oil into a clean, airtight glass container or bottle. Seal the container tightly.
Post-Infusion Process
Aging the Attar
Place the sealed container in a cool, dark place for at least a few weeks to allow the fragrance to mature and intensify. The longer it ages, the more intense and refined the rose scent will become.
Storage
Store the attar in dark glass bottles to protect it from light, which can degrade the fragrance. Keep the bottles in a cool, dry place.
Maturation Duration
The attar can be used after a few weeks, but it is recommended to let it mature for several months to a year for the best results.
Specific Challenges and Solutions
Common Pitfalls
- Insufficient Infusion Time: Ensure that the rose petals are left to infuse for a sufficient amount of time to extract the maximum fragrance.
- Contamination: Keep the environment clean and ensure the rose petals and equipment are free from contaminants.
- Inadequate Storage: Store the attar in dark, airtight containers to prevent degradation of the fragrance.
Tips to Overcome Challenges
- Use high-quality, fresh rose petals to ensure the best fragrance.
- Maintain a clean and dry environment during the infusion process.
- Regularly check the attar for any signs of spoilage or contamination.
Reference
-
How to Make an Attar of Roses – Hunker
https://www.hunker.com/12002361/how-to-make-an-attar-of-roses/ -
How To Make Attar at Home – VedaOils
https://www.vedaoils.com/blogs/news/how-to-make-attar-at-home -
How to Make Attar at Home? – Kashmirica
https://www.kashmirica.com/blog/how-to-make-attar-at-home/?srsltid=AfmBOop-0rqlKQ2WCeh7XxXJEtdFmzYqAbI0TTbnGTEgTMzKho5e-JP1
