The aroma that enchanted the world

their petals lingers long after drying. The belief in the therapeutic properties of this aroma dates back to ancient times.
Knowledge of the medicinal properties of the rose was most likely brought home by the early Crusaders from North Africa and the Middle East where knowledge of the therapeutic culinary and aromatic benefits of rose petals had been passed down since ancient times. Few flowers can be processed and preserved as effectively without preservatives and complex chemical manipulations. By the Middle Ages in Turkey and the Middle East the process of turning certain roses into preserves powders or water was well understood. As a result their dishes especially sweets were infused with the essence of roses. The buttercream and strongly flavored rosewater cakes sold in Greece Sicily and even parts of New York are remnants of this practice. In Turkey to this day the aroma is added to many dishes both sweet and savory.
During the late Middle Ages a distinct version of aromatherapy emerged associating the potency of an aroma with its efficacy in treating diseases. Therefore the robust fragrance of certain rose petals when collected and dried was deemed both healthful and enjoyable. Considering the hygiene practices of the Middle Ages the noxious scent of poor sanitary conditions or ill health could be concealed by the overpowering fragrance of the rose.

 Vast numbers of R. gallica officinalis plants were cultivated from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century around the town of Provençal southeast of Paris. The petals of these roses were harvested and processed into pastes oils and salves forming a comprehensive pharmacopoeia of remedies for various tissuedamaging ailments in humans. These remedies included treatments for wounds ulcers amputations as well as eye injuries and diseases.

 The rose itself has long captured the hearts of people serving as a symbol of love and luxury. Its aroma has been cherished by mankind for centuries making it natural for its characteristics to be utilized and sometimes overused for advertising purposes. In real estate ads the flower is associated with many cities such as Roseville. Restaurants or their sections are often named Under the Golden Rose or Rose Garden where the motif of roses extends even to interior decoration. The perfume industry centered in Grasse in the suburbs of Cannes fully capitalizes on the roses popularity. The concept of health frequently incorporates associations with roses such as rose skin or rose
lips while advertisers endeavor to link the fragrance with the beauty of women featured in photos on cosmetic packages. Noble individuals and the wealthy have long been patrons of rosaries immortalized in the names of rose varieties. Even today such instances can still be found.

 The scent of a rose is often strongest after a period of warm weather and immediately following a light rain when the atmosphere is moist. Fragrance tends to develop and change from the moment the flower opens. Therefore its important not to judge a roses fragrance solely by smelling one flower if a flower is too young or too old its unlikely to have a strong fragrance. Smell each variety more frequently as aromas can significantly change from hour to hour from day to day from season to season and even from year to year.