For centuries, Bulgaria has been the country producing world’s highest quality rose oil. In Bulgaria, the first rose plantations appeared around the town of Kazanlak in 16th century. The climatic and soil conditions of the Kazanlak area proved to be more favorable than any other place. Gradually the number of rose plantations grew occupying a large area in central Bulgaria, known as the Valley of Roses. For more than 400 years, the Bulgarian Rose Valley has been considered the world center for rose oil production. Surrounded by two majestic mountains, the Balkan Mountain and Sredna Gora, the Valley of Roses is considered to have the best soil structure, air humidity, cloudiness and precipitation for obtaining the finest and most sought-after rose oil in the world. The mesmerizing Valley of Roses is also the home to all of Alteya’s rose plantations.

Composition of Rose Oil

Rose oil is steam distilled by a special technology and has a pale yellow color. The primary base notes are deep, sweet and floral with spicy middle notes.
At 25 C the rose oil is a viscous liquid. Upon cooling, it becomes a crystallized mass, which can be liquified by warming. Rose oil is a complex blend of more than 300 different components. The major component in a rose blossom is phenyl-ethyl alcohol. However, phenyl-ethyl alcohol is highly soluble in water and is usually lost in the distillation process, unless collected as rose water.
Major components are also: geraniol, citronellol, and nerol. Many other components are present in very small amounts, but have a substantial effect on the overall rose oil quality. An example is a compound called damascenone, which is one of the most potent odor constituents.