There are several hypotheses about the origin of the lemon tree: traces of its ancestor have been found in India, while some studies suggest it was born in the Mediterranean through the hybridization of the bitter orange tree and the citron tree.
Before using its fruit in cooking as a seasoning, the lemon tree was primarily an ornamental tree, especially in gardens. In addition to its ornamental and culinary uses, lemon is also utilized in the perfume industry, adding a fresh and invigorating note to olfactory compositions.
Lemon in Perfumes
The lemon tree is a thorny tree distinguished by its evergreen, shiny leaves and its yellow fruit: the lemon.
Belonging to the botanical family Rutaceae, like most citrus fruits, the lemon tree adapts to various climates. However, lemon cultivation is mainly concentrated in Italy, where the Mediterranean climate is most favorable. The essential oils of lemon used in perfumery mostly come from Sicily.
Raw Material from Lemon
Lemon harvesting takes place over several months, peaking between January and February.
Lemon essential oil is the main raw material derived from the lemon through cold expression. The lemons are peeled in a large machine to extract the zest and the essential oil it contains. The extracted product is then decanted to retain only the oil.
This essential oil primarily contains terpenes like beta-pinene and gamma-terpinene, as well as molecules such as limonene and citral.
The Lemon, from the Perfumer’s point of view
Lemon essential oil belongs to the Hesperides family and, like all citrus fruits, is a top note. In fine perfumery, it is primarily used in colognes and fresh eaux de toilette, but also in functional perfumery (laundry, detergents, etc.).
The tangy and zesty scent of lemon essential oil has a green facet, as well as a subtly floral note.
Lemon leaves a tonic, fresh, and energizing impression, bringing light and vitality to olfactory compositions.
Some fragrances around the Lemon note
- Original Eau de Cologne – House of 4711 – 1792
- Light Blue – Dolce Gabbana – 2001
- Fleurs de Citronnier – Serge Lutens – 2004
- Acqua di Gioia – Giorgio Armani – 2010
- Lemon Escape – Victoria’s Secret – 2013
- Lemon Tart – Jo Malone – 2013
- Citron d’Erable – Atelier Cologne – 2016
- Citron Noir – L’Occitane – 2018
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