Bon Parfumeur X Coriander
An exhilarating perfume! Fruity, slightly bitter freshness emanates from grapefruit and pineapple. 701 unleashes an explosion of spices and aromatics: pepper, rosemary, coriander, eucalyptus and cypress. They warm the atmosphere and harmonize perfectly with amber wood and incense.
What does the word "coriander" mean?
The word "coriander" has an interesting etymological origin. It comes from the Latin "coriandrum", which itself was borrowed from the ancient Greek "κορίαννον" (koriannon). This Greek term may have been derived from the word "κόρις" (koris), which meant "bug" or "insect". It probably referred to the characteristic smell of coriander, which was compared to that of bedbugs. This association with insects was then transmitted into Latin and European languages, giving rise to the word "coriander" that we use today to designate this aromatic plant. Coriander, also known as cilantro in the United States, has been appreciated for its aromas and culinary uses since antiquity, and its name has survived the centuries to reach us in its present form.
In the beginning…
The history of coriander dates back to antiquity, with its origins in southern Europe and western Asia. It is estimated that this herbaceous plant was already in use over 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, where its seeds were used both as spices and in medicinal preparations. From there, coriander gradually spread to other parts of the world through trade and trade routes.
Over the centuries, coriander has established itself in various cultures and cuisines, becoming an essential spice in Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, Latin American and Middle Eastern cooking. Its fresh leaves, seeds and aromatic stems are used to perfume and enhance a wide variety of dishes. Coriander has also been used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties, notably for its digestive and stimulating virtues. It played an important role in ancient medicinal practices and continues to be appreciated for its health benefits.
Coriander Cultivation
Coriander is grown in different parts of the world, covering tropical, subtropical and temperate climates. Major producing countries include India, China, Morocco, Russia, Indonesia and Mexico. India is one of the biggest producers and consumers of coriander, using its fresh leaves and seeds in a multitude of dishes. Morocco is also a major producer, supplying a large proportion of the coriander seeds used in the global food industry. Coriander is enjoyed in many international cuisines, making it a widespread crop across the globe.
Coriander is grown in well-drained, fertile soil. Seeds are sown directly in the soil or in a nursery in spring or autumn. Within a few days to a few weeks, the seeds germinate and the plants grow thanks to regular watering. Leaves are harvested 6 to 8 weeks after planting, before flowering, to preserve their best aroma. The seeds are harvested once the flowers have dried, and the stems can also be harvested for use in cooking. Coriander leaves, seeds and stems can be used fresh or dried to flavor a variety of dishes.
DID YOU KNOW? Russian coriander, also known as "dried coriander fruit," "coriander seeds," or "Coriandrum sativum var. microcarpum," refers to a specific variety of coriander seeds that are smaller and rounder than the typical coriander seeds. This variety is often associated with a stronger, more intense flavor and aroma compared to the larger, standard coriander seeds.
Russian coriander is commonly used in traditional Russian and Eastern European cuisines. It is a key ingredient in many dishes, including soups, stews, pickles, sausages, and various types of bread. The robust flavor of Russian coriander adds a distinctive and aromatic element to these dishes.
What do you know about coriander in perfumery?
The process of distilling coriander for perfumery involves harvesting the coriander seeds at maturity, then drying them to reduce their water content. The dried seeds are then placed in a still, where they are subjected to steam distillation. The steam passes through the seeds, carrying the aromatic compounds with it. This essential oil-laden steam is then cooled and condensed to obtain coriander essential oil. The oil is then filtered to remove any impurities, then packaged in bottles for use in perfumery, bringing its warm, spicy, herbaceous notes to fragrance compositions.
Coriander has a characteristic, complex perfume, combining spicy, herbaceous, fresh and slightly lemony notes. Its fresh leaves have a green, slightly pungent perfume reminiscent of parsley. The main constituent of coriander seed is linalool.
The seeds offer a warmer, spicier aroma with woody nuances. In perfumery, coriander is used to bring spicy, herbaceous and fresh nuances to compositions. It blends well with other ingredients such as ginger, cardamom, black pepper, bergamot and lemon, creating spicy, fresh and invigorating accords. It can also be combined with floral, woody or amber notes to add an exotic, captivating touch to certain fragrances.
Some popular Coriander perfumes...
• Eau de toilette Déclaration by Cartier
• Eau de toilette Tomo by Annayaké
• Poison by Dior
• Dior Homme Eau for Men by Dior
• Eau de toilette Antaeus by Chanel
• Eau de toilette Coriandre by Jean Couturier
• Eau de parfum Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent
• Eau de parfum Coriander by DS & Durga
