What does the word blackcurrant mean?
Blackcurrant, or Ribes nigrum in Latin, belongs to the Grossulariaceae family. Its name comes from the Greek word "kakkaros," meaning "bad taste," referring to the slightly bitter flavor of its unripe fruit. However, when the berries turn black and ripe, they are known for their sweet and tangy taste.
In the beginning…
Blackcurrant has a long history in European culture, dating back to Roman times, when its berries were used for their medicinal properties. In the Middle Ages, blackcurrants were cultivated in monastery gardens for their therapeutic and culinary benefits. By the 16th century, blackcurrants had become a common fruit in gardens throughout France, where they were often used to make wine. It wasn't until later, in the 20th century, that blackcurrants began to be used in the perfume industry. Perfumers discovered the plant's unique notes and began incorporating them into their creations. Today, blackcurrants are one of the most popular ingredients in the perfume industry, used in all kinds of men's and women's fragrances. Their popularity and use continue to grow, making blackcurrants an important part of perfumery history.
Blackcurrant cultivation
Blackcurrant cultivation, also known as black gooseberry, is a widespread agricultural practice in many parts of the world, primarily in Europe and North America. Blackcurrant is a fruit shrub in the Grossulariaceae family, prized for its berries, which are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and distinctive flavors.
Growing blackcurrants requires well-drained, organic-rich, and slightly acidic soil. Blackcurrant plants are usually grown from cuttings or purchased seedlings, and they require special attention during their first year of growth. The bushes reach maturity after 2 to 3 years and produce abundant berries during the summer season.
Blackcurrants are harvested by hand when the berries are fully ripe. The berries are then used in a variety of products, such as jams, syrups, liqueurs, and pastries. Blackcurrants are also valued for their use in the production of wines and spirits. In addition to being an economically viable crop, blackcurrants offer environmental benefits. The shrubs are resistant to diseases and pests, reducing the need for chemical products. Additionally, blackcurrant flowers are beneficial to pollinating insects, contributing to the biodiversity of agricultural ecosystems.
The different blackcurrant accords
Blackcurrant perfume, like many other ingredients, is generally composed of accords rather than pure blackcurrant extracts. Accords are blends of ingredients and raw materials used in perfumery to recreate specific scents. There are many reasons why blackcurrant scents were created through accords. First, it is due to the availability of the raw material. Second, accords are often used to create complex and balanced perfumes. By using different ingredients and raw materials, perfumers can add additional nuances and nuances to the blackcurrant scent, creating a more interesting and captivating fragrance. Accords can be formulated to ensure optimal stability and longevity of the blackcurrant fragrance, thus ensuring a consistent olfactory experience for the consumer.
What did you know about blackcurrant in perfumery?
The processing and transformation of blackcurrant accords in perfumery involves several essential steps. First, the accord is formulated by blending the ingredients to create the desired aroma. Then, the perfumer evaluates and adjusts the accord to ensure it meets their expectations. Once finalized, the blackcurrant accord is incorporated into the perfume composition, and the blend is then allowed to mature and macerate to balance the notes. After maturation, the perfume is filtered to remove impurities, and stabilizers may be added to ensure its stability. Perfumers must pay careful attention to every step, from cultivation to transformation into extract, to preserve the subtle and delicate aromatic nuances of blackcurrant. This attention to detail results in the creation of high-quality, intense, and sophisticated perfumes.
The blackcurrant accord is typically created using specific ingredients such as synthetic blackcurrants that synthetically reproduce the distinctive scent of blackcurrant. These compounds provide fruity, green, and sweet notes that characterize the aroma of blackcurrant. These ingredients are used to capture the characteristic essence of blackcurrant and bring a fruity and lively dimension to perfume compositions.
Blackcurrant is a staple ingredient in perfumery, not only for its delicious scent, but also for its unique aromatic profile. Perfumers can use this berry to create fruity, fresh, and even floral fragrances. Blackcurrant has a distinct fruity note reminiscent of fresh berries, but it is also paired with more complex nuances such as blackcurrant bud, which can create a green and herbaceous impression.
GOOD TO KNOW !
The benefits and virtues of blackcurrant in perfumery are numerous. In addition to its fruity and sparkling aroma, blackcurrant is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also rich in vitamins C and E, which help nourish the skin and maintain its elasticity. Because of these benefits, blackcurrant is often used in skin care products, such as moisturizers and body lotions. The use of blackcurrant in perfumery is not limited to the creation of fragrances. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of blackcurrant make it a popular ingredient in skin care and wellness products.
The legendary blackcurrant fragrances...
Among all the blackcurrant flavors of recent years, we have selected a few must-haves for you:
• In Love Again by Yves Saint Laurent is a captivating fragrance that evokes passion and joie de vivre. Fruity notes of grape, grapefruit, and mandarin intertwine with delicate floral accords, creating a vibrant and seductive fragrance. This perfume embodies love and sensuality, offering an exhilarating and irresistible olfactory experience.
• Amor Amor by Cacharel is a passionate fragrance that captures the essence of love and seduction. Fruity notes of blackcurrant, mandarin, and grapefruit blend with exotic floral accords, creating an intoxicating and captivating fragrance. This perfume embodies a fiery passion, offering an irresistible and sensual olfactory experience.
• Pulp by Byredo is a bold and exuberant fragrance that celebrates the richness of fruit. Juicy notes of tropical fruits and citrus blend to create a vibrant and gourmand scent that evokes an explosion of flavors. Pulp envelops your senses in a captivating and deliciously fruity olfactory experience.
These blackcurrant bud fragrances:
• Amazone by Hermès is a feminine and captivating fragrance that embodies freedom and adventure. Lively citrus notes blend with floral and woody accords, creating an energetic and elegant fragrance that evokes the fearless spirit of modern women. Amazone is an iconic fragrance that transports the senses on an olfactory journey imbued with femininity and sophistication.
• First by Van Cleef & Arpels is a timeless and elegant fragrance that embodies refinement and sophistication. Delicate floral notes of jasmine, rose, and orange blossom blend harmoniously with woody and amber accords, creating a classic and captivating fragrance. First is an iconic fragrance that leaves a memorable imprint, evoking timeless elegance and distinguished charm.
• Mad Madame by Juliette Has a Gun is a bold and captivating fragrance that embodies the duality between femininity and rebellion. Green and spicy notes blend with rose and leather accords, creating a provocative and captivating fragrance that defies convention. Mad Madame leaves a strong and unforgettable impression, revealing the rebellious and seductive spirit of the wearer.
Bon Parfumeur blackcurrant perfumes
We have just launched a blackcurrant-based room fragrance, available as a candle and diffuser.
Escape the daily city life with this home fragrance and head for the countryside! It opens with a herbaceous note. reminiscent of the childhood smell of tomato leaves rubbed on the fingers. Notes of mandarin and blackcurrant buds energize the whole with their tangy side. In the background, the woody note of patchouli brings depth to this composition fresh and crisp.
Our collection also includes two unisex eaux de parfum where blackcurrant is used as a top or middle note.
• Eau de parfum 201 which combines blackcurrant leaf with notes of green apple, lily of the valley and quince. The blackcurrant here brings a fresh side allowing us to transcribe this image of apple sorbet.
• Eau de parfum 802 , which combines blackcurrant with notes of peony and bamboo. As with the previous fragrance, the blackcurrant brings in the top notes this fresh dimension that we wanted to illustrate the dew in this Japanese garden.
