Rosewater
Cultivation · Harvesting · Processing
We source our rose water directly from the producer.
Morocco is world-renowned for the production of exquisite rose water, which is obtained from the fragrant flowers of the Damascus rose. In particular, the regions in the heart of the Dadès Valley in the High Atlas are considered the center of Moroccan rose growing and rose water production.
Historical origin:
Historians suspect that the Damask rose was brought to Morocco by Persian traders during the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. It has become extremely well acclimatized due to the ideal climatic conditions in the Dadès Valley region.
Cultural significance:
The cultivation and processing of roses have been an integral part of the culture of some Berber communities for centuries. Rose products, especially rose water, play a central role in the local economy, medicine and cosmetics.
Certified organic cultivation:
The demand for organic products has increased the incentive for sustainable agriculture, so the vast majority of rose farmers now use sustainable methods, without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Certifications such as organic and fair trade guarantee that production is environmentally friendly and adheres to social standards.
Cooperatives promote fair working conditions and support local communities.
Sustainable cultivation
The valleys between the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas offer ideal conditions for growing roses.
hot days and cool nights promote the development of intense aromas.
Soils rich in minerals and access to clear mountain water provide optimal growing conditions.
Traditional irrigation techniques, known as "Seguias", channel water from the mountains to the fields, which is particularly essential in dry periods.
The harvest
The flowers bloom between the end of April and the beginning of June.
The roses are harvested early in the morning when they contain the highest concentration of essential oils. This is crucial for the quality of the end product.
Manual harvest:
The flowers are picked exclusively by hand. Workers – often local women – go through the fields and carefully select each flower.
An experienced worker can pick up to 5 kg of rose blossoms per day, with about 3,000 kg of rose blossoms needed to produce 1 liter of rose oil or a larger amount of rose water.
The freshly harvested flowers are immediately transported in baskets or sacks to preserve their freshness. They must be processed the same day.
Production of rosewater
Rose water production in Morocco is based on traditional methods combined with modern technology to ensure the highest quality.
In the traditional method, the rose petals are distilled in copper stills together with water.
Steam extraction:
Steam is passed through the rose petals, causing the volatile compounds, including essential oils, to be released.
The steam condenses and is collected in special containers.
Rose oil and rose water:
The distillation process separates the hydrophilic (water-soluble) components that form rose water from the lipophilic (oily) components that are obtained as rose oil. Rose water contains fine traces of essential oil and is known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Purity and aroma:
High-quality rosewater is free from artificial additives and contains only the natural essences of the rose.
Steam extraction:
Steam is passed through the rose petals, causing the volatile compounds, including essential oils, to be released.
The steam condenses and is collected in special containers.
Rose oil and rose water:
The distillation process separates the hydrophilic (water-soluble) components that form rose water from the lipophilic (oily) components that are obtained as rose oil. Rose water contains fine traces of essential oil and is known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Purity and aroma:
High-quality rosewater is free from artificial additives and contains only the natural essences of the rose.
Conclusion