Galbanum and Labdanum harvests draw to a close

The end of the summer months marks the end of the traditional harvest season for Galbanum and Labdanum oils.

Both are harvested for up to three months in July to September, but as the autumn sets in, this window of opportunity draws to a close for another year.

Payan Bertrand supply both Galbanum and Labdanum in a number of different forms, giving customers a choice and more variety to use in finished products.

These two popular fragrance ingredients hail from different parts of the world but are united by their harvest season, creating an unbreakable link between their respective aromatic oils.

What is Galbanum oil?

Galbanum (Ferula galbaniflua Boiss. & Buhse) is produced in Iran and supplied as a resinoid, essential oil or as 100% natural.

It is indigenous to Iran and dates back to biblical times – used in fragrant incenses and perfumes.

Galbanum blends well, and is often included in moderation along with herbaceous, woody, earthy, resinous and citrus aromas.

The oil is popular in some aromatherapy applications, where it is often associated with helping to induce a peaceful and calm state of mind.

What is Labdanum oil?

Labdanum (Cistus ladaniferus L.) is produced in Spain and supplied as an absolute, resinoid or resinoid MD.

It is native to the Mediterranean, where it creates an aromatic gum that helps to protect the shrub against water loss during hot weather.

Uniquely, Labdanum is said to have an aroma similar to that of Amergris and is sometimes referred to as ‘vegetable ambergris’ in the case of Labdanum obtained from Cistus labdaniferus var maculate.

In its absolute form, Labdanum has particularly powerful amber and leather notes, and is soluble in ethanol.

A long-shared history

Both Galbanum and Labdanum oils date back thousands of years in usage as fragrance ingredients.

Galbanum is one of the four core ingredients in Ketoret, the holy incense described in the Book of Exodus 30:34.

Labdanum also appears in the Old Testament, in both Genesis 37:25 and Genesis 43:11, where it is thought to be the aromatic resin transported from Palestine to Egypt in those passages.

This shared history reaching back to antiquity continues to be intrinsically linked by the similarities and especially the harvest season for these two oils and the natural aroma ingredients that are derived from them in the modern day by Payan Bertrand.

Zanos supplies Galbanum and Labdanum from our trusted supplier Payan Bertrand, as well as other essential oils and aroma chemicals.

We are happy to help you find what you are looking for. Email webenquiries@zanos.co.uk or speak to our Sales Specialists on 01565 755899.