Scientific Insights into Rosa Damascena Harvesting and Oil Extraction
- Christi Taban
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 18
🌹 Scientific Management of Damask Rose (Rosa damascena) Harvest: From Flower Physiology to Essential Oil Quality
Part I: Scientific Principles of Rose Harvesting and Key Factors Affecting Flower and Oil Quality
1. Introduction
Damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) is a highly valued medicinal and aromatic plant native to the Middle East and parts of Central Asia. Its essential oil, rich in volatile aromatic compounds such as citronellol, geraniol, nerol, and phenylethyl alcohol, is widely used in perfumery, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries. Achieving high-quality oil and economically viable yields depends heavily on scientifically timed and managed harvesting.
At Galbanum Oil Fragrance, we combine traditional knowledge with modern agronomic and distillation practices to produce high-purity Damask rose essential oil. Our facility in Istanbul processes freshly harvested Rosa damascena blossoms within hours, using carefully controlled steam distillation to retain the oil’s delicate aromatic profile. We follow scientific harvesting protocols—like early morning picking and bud-stage selection—to ensure consistent quality and optimal yield. This article reflects the same principles we apply in our day-to-day operations, aimed at delivering therapeutically valuable, traceable, and premium-grade rose oil to our global clients.
2. Flower Physiology and Optimal Harvest Timing
The ideal physiological stage for harvesting is the semi-open bud stage (Stage II–III)—just before full bloom.
Fully open flowers have already lost much of their volatile oils due to evaporation.
Harvesting should be done early in the morning (between 5:00 and 8:00 a.m.), when:
Ambient temperature is low (15–20°C)
Volatile oils are retained in higher concentrations
Degradative enzymatic activities are minimal
3. Environmental Conditions for Harvest
Flowers must be harvested in cool, dry weather.
Avoid collecting flowers with morning dew or after rainfall.
Transport should be done in shallow, ventilated baskets to avoid overheating.
Flowers must be distilled within 3–4 hours of harvesting to prevent oil loss through evaporation or enzymatic degradation.
4. Yield and Fresh Flower Production
Variable | Approximate Range |
Fresh flower yield | 2 to 5 tons per hectare |
Essential oil yield | 1 kg from 3–5 tons of flowers |
Rosewater yield | 30–40 liters per 100 kg of flowers |
Key influencing factors: soil fertility, irrigation, plant age, planting density, and cultivation management.
5. Flower Quality and Influencing Parameters
Temperature: High daytime temperatures (>30°C) reduce oil content via rapid volatilization.
Light: Gentle morning sunlight boosts oil biosynthesis; harsh midday sun accelerates loss.
Humidity: Lower relative humidity reduces fungal spoilage and improves fresh flower shelf life.
Part II: Extraction Technology and the Role of Climate in Essential Oil Composition
6. Distillation Techniques for Essential Oil Extraction
6.1. Steam Distillation (Hydro-Steam)
Most common traditional and industrial method in Persia and neighboring regions.
Flowers are loaded into stills with water and exposed to direct or indirect steam.
Steam carries volatile oils through a condenser, and oil is separated from the aqueous phase in a Florentine flask.
6.2. Double Distillation
A two-step process: first extracting rosewater, then extracting oil from the water.
Yields more concentrated and higher quality oil.
6.3. Advanced Methods
Solvent extraction (e.g., with hexane): Higher yield, but not food-safe.
Supercritical CO₂ extraction: High-quality and pure, but expensive and used in niche perfumery.
Microwave-assisted or ultrasonic extraction: Experimental methods with high efficiency in small-scale setups.
7. Chemical Composition of Rose Essential Oil
Compound | Approximate Percentage | Characteristics |
Citronellol | 30–40% | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory |
Geraniol | 20–30% | Fragrant, relaxing |
Nerol | 10–15% | Fragrant |
Phenylethyl alcohol | 5–15% | Enhances scent longevity |
Note: Composition is highly influenced by harvest timing, climate, and extraction method.
8. Impact of Arid and Semi-Arid Climates on Oil Quality
Advantages:
Cool nights and moderate sunlight enhance biosynthesis of secondary metabolites.
Low humidity reduces fungal disease and helps preserve flower freshness.
Diurnal temperature variation increases concentration of oxygenated compounds in essential oil.
Challenges:
High midday temperatures can lead to premature evaporation of volatile compounds.
Requires carefully scheduled irrigation to avoid drought stress and yield reduction.
9. Final Conclusion
Scientific harvesting of Rosa damascena requires deep understanding of the plant’s physiology, optimal timing, environmental management, and proper extraction technology. In arid climates like Persian , rose cultivation if paired with good irrigation and harvest practices—can produce essential oils with superior purity, fragrance, and market value.
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This article was researched and written by Galbanum Oil Fragrance
The use of this article is permitted by citing the source.
📩 Get in Touch
📧 Email: info@Galbanum.co
🌐 Website: www.galbanum.co
Location: Cevizli, Tugay Yolu Cd. 69-C, 34846 Maltepe/İstanbul
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