Orris root (Iris
germanica) is the aged and dried rhizome of the cherished iris flower. Named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow and
messenger of the gods, Iris. The flower bursts to life each spring from the
rhizome in a variety of vibrant hues, including yellow, salmon-pink, white, and
the deep violet-blue so perfectly depicted in Vincent Van Gogh’s stunning
painting, Irises (1889).
To the French, the three petals of the flower symbolize faith,
wisdom and valor. The flower itself is often used symbolically in ceremony.
This “eye of heaven,” as it has been called, is a wonder of nature appreciated
for its beauty, exquisiteness, and fragrance.
The sweet scent of iris flowers is indeed heavenly, but it is the
root where we find the luscious scent of violets and woods that characterize the extract called Orris root. The rhizome (root) contains the highest
concentration of the desired irones compounds. Though the flower petals reach
the height of their beauty by the second year, the roots must age for two to
three years before they reach full maturity. During this time, the slow
oxidation of triterpenoid creates the active ingredients and odorants.
In the
final year, the plant can grow as tall as a person. It is necessary for the
ground to be carefully weeded and maintained throughout this period. Often, whole families assume this task and, when the plant has arrived
at maturity, they tend to the long, labor-intensive pulling, cutting and drying
process.
Prima Fleur's Orris Root Extract [No. 244] is of the Iris germanica variety, and is used
for perfumery, and for food and flavoring. This variety of sword lily iris is
also known as “Orris of Verona” whose flowers are deep violet-blue. Plant
material, mainly from Morocco, is processed by supercritical carbon dioxide
extraction, yielding 1 kilo of extract from around 34 kilos of raw material.
Although orris may have been used medicinally at one time, its
chief uses are in perfumery, soap making, and to flavor liquors, from vermouth
to gin. While the Iris pallida of
Italy and China has direct floral and green notes, the Iris germanica boasts fruitier, richer, strong berry notes suited
for these multiple industries. The distinctive violet-like odor is the definition
of luxury and of an era of romantic indulgence. Orris root blends well with
florals of neroli, rose, and geranium, as well as green notes of violet leaf and galbanum.
For more information on
how to order from our Premier Product line, please visit our website. For questions, or to explore
custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw
materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com or call (415) 455-0957.
Coriander seed CO2 can be added to a hair rinse for hair
loss (along with rosemary CO2), and used in skin care formulas for pimples,
blackheads and even dry skin. Prima Fleur CO2 Total [No. 509] from the seed, has
a rich deep scent of both the coriander fruit and the leaf - a nice mild green
scent for perfumery. 
