Marigold in perfumery
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Marigold: The Meadow Flower with a Hint of Green Apple
Marigold, a charming flower native to the plains of America, has thrived from Canada to Argentina for centuries. It was transplanted to South Africa and neighboring countries during the Boer War in 1900 when British forces from the New World and Afrikaners transported horses and fodder to southern Africa. As a result, marigold seeds made their way to Madagascar, South Africa, and Rwanda, making these countries the largest producers of this precious flower today.
Requiring minimal care, marigold flourishes in relatively dry environments, making its essential oil an easily obtainable and versatile raw material for perfumers to utilize. The oil is abundant in distinct facets that offer freshness and originality.
Marigold Essential Oil in Oriental and Floral Fragrances
While marigold remains an underused raw material in contemporary perfumes, its multifaceted nature lends itself well to fresh, original top notes in beautiful floral and oriental-floral blends. Loulou by Cacharel, a bestseller from the 1980s, combines marigold with fruity notes of blackcurrant, plum, and anise in its top notes to create a floral, sun-drenched heart that ends on a powdery base. This perfume showcases the ethereal, fleeting, aniseed mix typical of 1980s fragrances, contrasting with more sensual notes. The marigold contributes to the olfactory duality found in many floral or oriental fragrances from this era, such as Eau Cuivrée by Montana and Elysium by Clarins.
Marigold's fresh, fruity facet might seem more suited to a female audience, but it is also beginning to appear in men's fragrances. Often found in woody scents, some designers are daring to introduce marigold as a heart note. Examples include King of Cool by Steve McQueen and the aromatic and spicy Aura for Men by Jacomo. Could marigold be the future of the refreshing scents that men adore?
Fun Facts About Marigold
- Marigold flowers are sometimes referred to as "summer's bride" due to their bright, sunny appearance and continuous blooming throughout the season.
- Apart from perfumery, marigold has been used for its medicinal properties, including treating skin issues, inflammation, and digestive disorders.
- In some cultures, marigold is considered a symbol of love and commitment and is often used in wedding ceremonies and other celebrations.
- Marigold essential oil has a unique aroma, often described as a mix of fruity, green apple-like notes with a hint of herbaceousness.
