Lavendula angustifoliaThis lavender is grown from cuttings and takes a minimum of 3 years before it is harvested. It can then stay in the ground for 20 years or more. The plants are grown in rows, or beds as they are known which makes mechanical harvesting easier. The flowering season is usually July although some varieties are earlier and some later depending on location etc. Harvesting is by machine which cuts the flowers and stalks from the bushes, they are then taken to the distillery as soon as possible and the steam distillation takes place. Only the flowers contain oil.
The variety we are currently selling is Mailette although twickle purple and fodgate are sometimes available also.
The material is harvested, distilled and then allowed to mature for at least 6 months like a fine wine.
Lavender is our most popular essential oil. It literally has 101 uses – It has great calming properties and can relieve tension and aid sleeping. It is also great for wound healing and burns. To name but a few !
Hydrolat
During the distillation process, the 'water' fraction of the
distillate, containing many of the water soluable fractions of the
essential oil (known as the Hydrolat or Floral Water) is collected.
This Hydrolat has many of the 'virtues' of the essential oil in a water
soluable form, and finds many uses in water-based cosmetic products
from skin toners and conditioners to soaps and shampoos.
