Galbanum, an aromatic resin derived from the Ferula galbaniflua plant, is a prized ingredient in the world of perfumery. Appreciated for its green, woody, and resinous scent, galbanum has captivated the most discerning noses. This article explores the history of this resin, its physical characteristics, its cultivation regions, and its extraction and use in perfumes.
The History of Galbanum
The Origin of Galbanum
Galbanum is an aromatic resin that has been used for thousands of years. Native to the Middle East and Central Asia, this resinous substance was mentioned in numerous ancient religious and medicinal texts. The Egyptians used galbanum in the mummification process as well as in the preparation of sacred incense. The Bible even cites it as one of the ingredients in the renowned incense of the Old Testament.
Ancient civilizations considered galbanum a sacred plant, valued for both its medicinal and spiritual properties. It was reputed for its healing virtues, particularly in treating respiratory ailments and as an antidote to poisons.
The Arrival in Europe
Galbanum was introduced to Europe by merchants and explorers, primarily via the Silk Road, which connected Asia to Europe. By the Middle Ages, galbanum began to be used in European pharmaceutical preparations for its therapeutic properties. However, it wasn’t until the Renaissance that its aromatic qualities were fully appreciated in perfumery.
At this time, European perfumers started incorporating galbanum into their creations, drawn to its rich olfactory profile. Its green and complex fragrance quickly appealed to creative noses, making it a sought-after ingredient in many perfume compositions.
Galbanum in Perfumery
Characteristics and Cultivation of Galbanum
Galbanum is a gum resin that exudes from the base of the stems of plants belonging to the Ferula genus. The resin solidifies upon contact with air, forming a compact and sticky substance ranging in color from yellow to brownish-green.
The plant itself is a large umbellifer that can reach up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) in height. It has finely divided leaves and yellow flowers clustered in umbels. The hollow, sturdy stem is the primary source of galbanum resin.
Galbanum is mainly cultivated in Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, where the climatic and geological conditions are ideal for the growth of Ferula plants. These regions offer dry, sunny climates and rocky, nutrient-poor soils that encourage the production of high-quality resin. Today, Iran is the leading exporter of galbanum, with harvesting taking place during the summer months.
Galbanum Species Used in Perfumery
The Ferula genus includes several species, but the most commonly used in perfumery are Ferula galbaniflua, and occasionally Ferula rubricaulis or Ferula ceratophylla. These species are chosen for the superior quality of their resin, which is richer in aromatic compounds.
- Ferula galbaniflua : The most commonly used species in perfumery. Its resin is rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, the molecules responsible for its characteristic scent. This species is primarily cultivated in Iran.
- Ferula rubricaulis : MLess common, this species produces a similar resin, but with slight variations in its chemical composition, subtly affecting its olfactory profile. It is also cultivated in Iran but is rarer.
- Ferula ceratophylla : This species is mainly grown in Turkmenistan.
Raw materials from Galbanum
Harvesters make incisions at the base of the stems to collect the resin, an ancestral technique passed down through generations. This resin has a powerful fragrance, often described as green, woody, earthy, with balsamic and bitter nuances.
Galbanum Essential Oil
Galbanum essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of the harvested resin. This process involves passing steam through the resin to capture its volatile compounds. The steam, infused with aromatic molecules, is then condensed and separated to yield the essential oil.
Distilling galbanum is a delicate process requiring expertise to preserve the complexity and integrity of its scent. The resulting essential oil is a viscous, yellow-green liquid with an intense and penetrating fragrance.
Galbanum Resinoid
Galbanum resinoid is obtained through solvent extraction, typically using hexane, from the raw resin. This process concentrates the resin’s aromatic molecules, producing a highly fragrant and dense material.
Galbanum from the Perfumer’s Perspective
Galbanum essential oil is a powerhouse of bold and complex aromas. Its chemical composition is rich in monoterpenes (such as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene), which give it its fresh, green, and resinous notes. It also contains sesquiterpenes and lactones, contributing woody and earthy nuances, as well as esters that soften the scent with balsamic undertones.
This aromatic richness makes galbanum a highly sought-after ingredient in perfumery, particularly for its role as a top note, where it brings a vegetal freshness and invigorating character to a fragrance composition.
The Use of Galbanum in Perfumes
Galbanum is a versatile ingredient in perfumery, primarily valued for its unique aromatic qualities. As a top note, it introduces a green, fresh, and slightly bitter dimension, often compared to the scent of sap or freshly cut grass.
In chypre perfumes, galbanum is used to balance richer, woodier notes, creating a harmonious blend between vegetal freshness and resinous depth. Fougère fragrances, which aim to replicate the scent of a forest, also benefit from galbanum, enhancing their green and woody accords.
Galbanum is also appreciated for its ability to intensify and prolong accords within a perfume. Its long-lasting presence on the skin and its distinctive character make it an excellent fixative, allowing other notes to fully develop while adding a layer of complexity.
Galbanum Essential Oil
The ultimate green note! A singular scent reminiscent of canned green peas. Pine resin, aromatic eucalyptus, and terpenic orange notes complement this striking green accord.
Galbanum Resinoid
More resinous than the essential oil, the resinoid retains the same green, pea-like scent but is denser and slightly more subdued.
Some perfumes around the Galbanum note
- N°19 – Chanel – 1970
- Vent Vert – Balmain – 1991
- Ôde à la Vie – Yves Rocher – 2001
- Eau de Lierre – Dyptique – 2006
- Untitled – Maison Margiela – 2010
- Vert de Fleur – Tom Ford – 2016
- Sacred Green Forest – Zara – 2022
- Malamata – Roos&Roos – 2022
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