02/12/2023
Ylang-ylang trees are native to tropical climates and thrive in the hot and humid coastal environment of the northwest Madagascan coast. Although the flowers bloom year-round, it's only during the hot and rainy season that the flowers are picked to produce the best quality oil. Picking begins at dawn, and only a few hours later the distillation process begins, due to the delicate nature of the petals.☀️🧺
During the process of steam distillation, the oil is often extracted at set times giving different fractions of ylang-ylang used for different purposes. The first oil collected is called Ylang-Ylang Extra which is collected first and is the best for professional perfume-making and apothecary. After that, the different grades go by Ylang-Ylang I, II, and III. Ylang-ylang complete is a blend of each of the four collected oil fractions as they were distilled and then blended together to give a certain smell and quality. After half a day goes by, all the oil is extracted from the distiller and is ready for the next day of the ylang-ylang harvest.
