Rose Production in Bulgaria
October 26th, 2009 Posted in OutdoorsTourism in Bulgaria is being rapidly developed these days. The most famous resorts in Bulgaria such as Sunny Beach and Nessebar are visited by thousands of tourists yearly. Regardless, most of them do not know the true wealth of Bulgaria – the numerous historical, cultural and nature sites. Some of them, such as The Rose Valley, have even made Bulgaria famous worldwide.
Bulgaria is worldwide famous with the cultivation of quality oleaginous rose. It is used for the production of rose water, rose oil, rose concrete, rose absolute, which are exported in different countries.
The oil-bearing rose is one of the country’s brands. Its high quality is defined by its location of growth. It is cultivated between the Balkans and Sredna Gora Mountains, in the sub-Balkan fields. Downpours are common on the lands where the roses are cultivated. A place surrounded by the forest areas of the nearby mountains and protected from winds. Thus, roses are always protected by chill. The soil is also appropriate – slightly sandy, maroon soil. The area rose cultivation has become famous as The Rose Valley.
The luxurious perfumery is made with Bulgarian Rose oil, which consists of more than 200 unique components, created by nature itself. Medicine takes advantage of the rose oil too. It is used in injection solutions as an anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic ingredient and for curing pulmonary diseases and gall-stones. The scent of the rose is used in the aromatherapy. It is perceived by smell and affects the nerves system, the physique and psyche. Also, the rose flavor affects the muscular system and increases working efficiency. And even more, it also affects the gas circulation, the breathing and heartbeat, the skin temperature, the blood pressure, the ear, the eyesight, etc.
Certified seedlings of oil-breeding roses are produced in Bulgaria. They are planted in autumn. Three years pass until blossoms for brewage are fully grown. The gathering begins in late spring. The roses are gathered manually early in the morning and not later than noon. The blossom should be fresh and not fully blossomed out. Thus, the flavor and humidity are fully preserved. Gathering roses in the afternoon decreases not the quality, but the gathered quantity. That is why till noon are gathered roses for rose oil, and afternoon – for dry blossom. 3000-3500 rose blossom is needed for 1kg rose oil.
From 7000 to 15 000 rose blossoms are needed for one vial (5 grams) of rose oil. One kilogram of blossoms is used for the production of one kilogram rose water.
The Bulgarian rose oil is an award-winner of golden medals at the exhibitions in Paris, London, Philadelphia, Antwerp and Milan.