Iris extract – called Orris from the French – is one of the most expensive ingredients a perfumer can use. The highest quality Orris extract is said to have a market value of 800 times that of Lavender.
This outrageous value is due to the 7 years it takes to produce the extract. 3 years growing the plant followed by drying the roots and then maturation.
We were excited to be harvesting our fully grown Iris for the first time this week. So, nearly halfway through our long term project, but a major step to prepare our precious crop for the 4 year maturation phase.
The roots already have a slight hint of violet, a characteristic of the Orris note. Maturation is needed to enable the important and valuable ‘Irone’ content to develop, and which gives Orris its unique scent.