YUZU PERFUMES X BON PARFUMEUR
At Bon Parfumeur, a responsible and unisex niche fragrance brand, we harness the power of yuzu as a key ingredient in our eau de parfum n°003. This exquisite fragrance blends yuzu, violet leaf, and vetiver to craft a refreshing and invigorating scent, ideal for embracing the spirit of summer. Experience the vibrant allure of our 003 perfume, designed to awaken your senses and transport you to sun-drenched days.
What does yuzu mean?
Yuzu is a small citrus fruit native to the Far East, mainly Japan, China and Korea. Its name comes from the Chinese yòuzi, meaning "strange apple". In Japanese, it is written with the characters yu and zu, which can also be read as "yûki no shita", meaning "under deep snow". This name comes from the fact that yuzu can withstand very low temperatures and its fruit ripens in winter, which is very rare for a citrus fruit.
In the beginning...
As far as the origins of yuzu in perfumery are concerned, it's worth mentioning its gradual introduction into the world of fragrance creation. Perfumers were quick to recognize the extraordinary potential of this singular little citrus fruit to bring a lively, sparkling dimension to their olfactory compositions. Yuzu, with its perfect balance of fresh and exotic notes, began appearing in fragrances at the end of the 20th century. Since then, it has become a prized ingredient for its ability to infuse fragrance compositions with unrivalled vivacity and an aura of luminosity. The citrus notes of yuzu are often used to create fruity, energizing accords, giving fragrances a unique personality and refreshing character. The scent of yuzu has conquered perfumers worldwide, adding an enchanting dimension to the art of contemporary perfumery.
DID YOU KNOW? Yuzu has a fascinating history... Native to eastern Asia, this citrus fruit has been cultivated for thousands of years in Japan, China and Korea. Its history dates back to antiquity, when it was revered for its medicinal properties and unique taste. Over the centuries, yuzu has become an essential ingredient in Asian cuisine. Its status has gradually risen, and it is now considered a symbol of refinement and sophistication, both in gastronomy and in the perfume industry!
Yuzu cultivation
Growing yuzu requires meticulous attention to detail to enable this unique citrus fruit to flourish. Farmers select well-drained, sunny soils in which to plant the young trees, ensuring that they are properly spaced to promote healthy growth. With patience and expertise, they lavish careful care on the trees, ensuring regular irrigation and providing the nutrients needed for optimal development. Once mature, the yuzu is gently harvested by hand, crowning the farmers' hard work. Growing yuzu is a true art, where the alliance of nature and human expertise gives rise to fruit of exceptional quality, ready to enchant our senses in the world of fragrance.
Yuzu flourishes mainly in certain regions of Asia. Japan is the main producer of yuzu, and the regions of Kochi, Hiroshima and Tokushima are renowned for their exceptional yuzu plantations. South Korea and China are also major producers of this prized citrus fruit, with regions such as Jeju and Sichuan standing out for the quality of their harvests.
Planting yuzu requires special care to ensure optimum growth. Farmers choose well-drained, sunny soils to plant the young trees. The ideal planting period varies from region to region, but generally takes place in spring. Seedlings or transplants are the methods commonly used to propagate yuzu plants. Yuzu trees are medium-sized and require adequate spacing for good air circulation and even sun exposure. The tree may take several years to reach full maturity and produce abundant fruit.
Once established, young yuzu plants require careful nurturing to promote optimal growth. Regular irrigation is essential, especially during periods of drought. Farmers can also add extra nutrients to the soil to ensure the tree's health and stimulate growth. Regular pruning of branches maintains the tree's shape and encourages the production of quality fruit. Yuzu trees are known to be resistant to disease and pests, making them a relatively easy plant for experienced growers to cultivate.
Harvesting yuzu generally takes place in late autumn or early winter, when the fruit has reached maturity. Farmers carefully pick yuzu by hand to avoid damaging the delicate skin of the fruit. Yuzus are harvested as they ripen, as they do not continue to ripen once detached from the tree. The fruit is then carefully selected for size, color and quality, to guarantee an exceptional harvest. This stage marks the high point of the year for yuzu growers, who proudly harvest the fruits of their hard labor, ready for use in a variety of industries, including perfumery.
DID YOU KNOW? During winter solstice celebrations in Japan, a tradition called "yuzuyu" involves taking baths with yuzu fruit. The citrusy scent of yuzu promotes relaxation, while the ritual symbolizes purification and renewal. It offers a moment of tranquility and rejuvenation during the winter season, with the added benefits of antioxidants and vitamins. Yuzuyu is a cherished japanese tradition that brings comfort and joy during the coldest time of the year.
What do you know about yuzu in perfumery?
Once harvested, yuzu undergoes a meticulous process of treatment and transformation prior to its use in the perfume making process. Yuzu fruits are carefully sorted, selecting the best specimens for their olfactory qualities. The yuzu peel is rich in essential oils, making it the key element in perfume creation. Zests are carefully extracted, often using cold expression techniques, to preserve the fruit's delicate scents. The essential oil obtained is then distilled to obtain pure, concentrated yuzu extracts. These extracts are used by perfumers to compose fruity accords, bringing incomparable vivacity and freshness to fragrances. Through meticulous processing methods, yuzu reveals its exceptional olfactory potential and becomes a precious ingredient in the art of perfumery.
The olfactory profile of yuzu is vibrant, fresh and captivating. Its essence gives off dominant citrus notes, characterized by intense scents of lemon zest and mandarin. Accords of yuzu evoke a sparkling, tangy sensation, sometimes reminiscent of grapefruit. Beyond its lively freshness, yuzu has a subtle, exotic dimension, with light floral and herbal nuances. Some describe its fragrance as slightly sweet, with delicate hints of vanilla or white flowers. In short, yuzu is a citrus fruit full of vitality, offering a unique combination of dynamic freshness and refined elegance, making it a must-have ingredient for bold, mesmerizing fragrance compositions.
The production of yuzu-based perfumes is a complex process involving several stages. First, the yuzu fruits are harvested and meticulously cleaned. Next, the essence is extracted from the skin, seeds and pulp. This essence is then filtered to obtain a pure, impurity-free liquid.
After this, the essence is blended with other ingredients to create a unique fragrance. Perfumers can use a variety of ingredients to create different accords, depending on the desired effect. Ingredients commonly used in combination with yuzu include bergamot, jasmine, ginger, vanilla and cedarwood.
Yuzu has many olfactory accords, the most commonly associated include citrus, floral, herbal, aquatic, woody and spicy:
• The citrus accord is amplified by combining yuzu with other citrus fruits such as lemon, bergamot or orange, amplifying the zesty, sparkling notes, thus creating fresh, dynamic compositions..
• The floral accord is achieved by combining yuzu with delicate flowers such as orange blossom, jasmine or neroli, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance to the composition.
• Green notes, such as mint or verbena, can be combined with yuzu to reinforce its freshness and create an invigorating, revitalizing accord.
• The aquatic accord is achieved by combining yuzu with marine or aquatic notes, evoking a sea-spray fragrance and transporting the senses to refreshing coastal landscapes.
• The woody accord combines yuzu with woody notes such as sandalwood, patchouli or oak, adding depth and warmth to the composition, creating a balance between freshness and sensuality.
• Finally, the spicy accord is created by combining yuzu with spices such as ginger, cardamom or pepper, creating a stimulating, energizing composition.
INTERESTING FACT!
Yuzu is much more than just an ingredient used in perfumery. This citrus fruit is packed with benefits and virtues for health and well-being. Rich in vitamin C, yuzu boosts the immune system, aids digestion and contributes to radiant skin. It is also renowned for its antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. What's more, yuzu's sparkling scent has energizing and invigorating qualities, bringing a feeling of freshness and vitality.
Some popular yuzu perfumes...
In recent years, yuzu has gained in popularity and found its way into a number of famous fragrances. While Yves Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne have yet to offer a yuzu eau de parfum, here are a few well-known perfumes that have made this exceptional citrus fruit their own:
• Le 3ème homme by Caron: This men's eau de toilette, launched in 1985, pays tribute to Orson Wells' character in the film of the same name. This virile composition embodies elegance and simplicity, appealing to curious, cultured men. Exotic accords of fresh fruits, lavender and yuzu bring a unique freshness to this fragrance. Accords of fern, oakmoss and clove add aromatic depth. Finally, woody, sensual base notes add a touch of sophistication. Presented in a sober, elegant bottle, "Le 3e homme" is a timeless fragrance that embodies the non-conformism and innovation so dear to the Caron brand.
• Mandarino di Amalfi by Tom Ford: This unisex fragrance from Tom Ford's Private Blend collection offers a luxurious interpretation of yuzu, blending notes of lemon, mandarin and cypress wood to create a luminous, sophisticated scent.
• Yuzu Rouge de Parfums de Nicolai: This women's fragrance features yuzu combined with notes of white flowers and amber, creating a luminous, elegant composition.
• Yuzu Ab Irato by Parfumerie Générale: This unisex fragrance by Parfumerie Générale offers a bold interpretation of yuzu, with notes of incense, patchouli and musk, creating an intriguing and mysterious fragrance.
Each perfume brings its own interpretation of yuzu, whether combining it with other ingredients or highlighting it as the main accord, creating distinctive scents that delight lovers of original fragrances.
