Rose Oil Bulgaria

Since the 17th century, Rosa damascena has played a profound role in the livelihood, culture and traditions of the Bulgarians living in the southern sub-mountainous region of the Balkan Mountains. This region is now celebrated worldwide as the ‘Valley of Roses’. Kazanlak is the centre of the ‘Valley of Roses’, the home of the Thracian kings in Bulgaria.

The valley is famous for its centuries-old rose-growing industry, responsible for almost half of the world’s rose oil production. Kazanlak’s temperate temperatures, abundant sunshine and excellent soil provide ideal growing conditions for these delicate flowers. In Bulgaria, Damask roses are grown in long hedges to protect them from wind damage.

Harvesting Rosa damascena is usually done in the early mornings of May and June when the flowers are still fresh, providing much needed moisture and the aroma is at its peak. The flowers are carefully hand-picked using the ‘pinching’ technique to select only the finest flowers. Any damage to the petals, particularly oxidation, can significantly affect the quality of the flowers. They are then quickly taken to the local distillery to be processed into essential oil.