Fresh and hot spices (continued)

Fresh Spices - Juniper Berry

Juniperus communis - Cupressaceae

Description of juniper berries

Juniper berries are the fruit of a shrub: the juniper. The juniper is native to Mediterranean Europe, although it is widespread in Eastern Europe and has a very wide geographical distribution. This small tree grows spontaneously on poor, dry soils, forming bushes that often do not exceed four metres in height. The fruit ripens in autumn, turning a dark blue colour and is harvested in August-September. Juniperus communis is well known for its prickly needles, but it is the fruit that is used in perfumery, in cooking to flavour sauerkraut and in the production of the famous gin. Juniper alcohol is a strong alcohol (20 to 40°). This alcohol is a speciality of Belgium, the Netherlands, northern France and Germany (malted barley, wheat, rye, and sometimes oats) flavoured with juniper berries.

History and origin of juniper berries

In various parts of Europe, juniper trees were planted near houses. It was believed to have a protective role. It could ward off diseases as well as evil spirits, snakes and witches.
Juniper berries are harvested in the Balkans, from Slovenia to Macedonia. In order to harvest the berries, the farmers in these regions hit the juniper tree and then collect them on sheets.
Macedonia is the biggest producer of juniper berries. Juniper berries are also found in the Mediterranean region and in Spain.

Processing of the raw material

Steam distillation of the berries produces an essential oil.

Main constituents of juniper berries

Terpenes, pinenes, camphrenes.

Olfactory description of juniper berries

Olfactory family: Terpenic conifer. These small, blackish berries have a spicy, peppery, woody, aromatic, slightly resinous, piney flavour and a "mushroom" note. It is also reminiscent of the smell of gin.

Use of juniper berries

Juniper berries add a fine, racy spicy flavour to perfumes. Useful for aromatic ferns in combination with lavender, they are mainly used in men's fragrances.

Perfumes containing juniper berries

• Cologne 68 by Guerlain
• Eau à la folie by Nicolaï
• Cool Water by Davidoff
• Cologne 4711 by Mulhens
• Black XS by Pacco Rabanne
• Jazz Prestige by Yves Saint Laurent

 

 

Hot spices - Cinnamon

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Blum (Ceylon cinnamon) - Lauraceae

Description of cinnamon

The Ceylon cinnamon tree is 10 to 15 metres high. The evergreen leaves are bright green, oblong and 7 to 18 cm long. Its flowers are greenish in colour and have a rather unpleasant smell. The fruit of the cinnamon tree is a purple, club-shaped berry 1 cm in diameter. The bark is harvested in the rainy season.

History and origin of cinnamon

Cinnamon is produced mainly in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), the Seychelles and Madagascar.
The Sri Lankan cinnamon tree is the most popular variety because of its sweetness. The stalks of the cinnamon tree are harvested every two years and must be dried before distillation. The texture is so fine that the sun-drying creates the roll shape.
Cinnamon is the oldest of the spices, used as early as 5000 BC in China. It was considered more valuable than gold. References to cinnamon can be found in the Bible.

Processing of the raw material

Cinnamon essence is obtained by steam distillation of the bark. The result is a clear, dark reddish-brown liquid. It is also possible to produce essential oil from the leaves, which is light to dark amber in colour and has a spicy odour, reminiscent of eugenol.

Main constituents of cinnamon

Cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, cinnamyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, linalool.

Olfactory description of cinnamon

Olfactory family: spicy, balsamic, woody, very slightly sweet/vanilla, warm, balmy, powerful, close to clove, lively, sensual, pungent/peppery, sweet, round in evolution, sensual, powdery. Evokes spiced tea, Christmas biscuits.

Use of cinnamon

Classified as a spice, cinnamon is obviously found in this olfactory genre. But it is also found in the reconstitution of floral facets such as rose, hyacinth or lily of the valley. Cinnamon can also be used to reinforce certain notes, balsamic, for example, in fougères or oriental fragrances. It can be used as a heart note and often links with the base notes. It is also used to reconstitute carnations or lilies.

Properties of cinnamon

The antioxidants in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent or alleviate osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease. Cinnamon is rich in cinnamic aldehyde, a powerful broad spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic agent. It also stimulates the immune system.

Perfumes containing cinnamon

• Cologne 68 by Guerlain
• Opium by Yves Saint Laurent
• Egoïste by Chanel
• Rousse by Lutens
• Black Orchid by Tom Ford
• Noël au Balcon by ELO
• Dolce Vita by Dior
• L'eau lente by Diptyque

 

Sylvaine Delacourte perfumes containing a blend of spices

• Helicriss from the Musk Collection
• Vangelis from the Vanilla Collection

Discover Sylvaine Delacourte's brand with her Orange Blossom, Musk and Vanilla Collections. You can try them thanks to the Discovery Boxes (5 Eaux de Parfum x 2 ml) and rediscover these raw materials as you have never smelled them before.