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Advanced2-4 weeks

Enfleurage Basics

Learn enfleurage basics from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.

historical perfumery studentsartisan extract makers

Workflow

  2. Charge with Fresh Flowers

    2 weeks

    Press fresh petals into fat layer, replacing flowers every 24–48 hours until saturated.

  3. Extract Pomade

    1 hour

    Remove spent flowers and scrape scented fat (pomade) for alcohol washing or direct use.

    Time Duration Calculator

  4. Alcohol Wash to Absolute

    3 hours

    Dissolve pomade in ethanol, chill to separate fat, and filter to obtain floral absolute.

    Fragrance Dilution Calculator

Tools Used

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Planning

Preparation

Safety

Execution

Quality

Documentation

Reference Materials

Historical MethodStandard

Enfleurage is one of the oldest extraction methods — largely replaced by solvent extraction industrially.

SaturationFormula

Flower charges continue until fat odor plateaus — typically 20–40 replacements for jasmine.

Flower SuitabilityTable

Botanicals suited to cold enfleurage.

FlowerChargesYield
Jasmine30+Low
Tuberose25+Low
Rose15–20Very low

  • Fresh Flowers Only

    Wilted petals introduce off odors and bacterial growth in fat.

  • Allergies

    Direct flower contact may trigger pollen allergies — ventilate workspace.

  • Modern Alternatives

    Silicone sheets reduce rancidity risk compared to traditional lard.

Safety Notes

  • Refrigerate pomade if not processing within 48 hours.
  • Document flower source to avoid pesticide contamination.

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