Osmanthus: The Heavenly Fragrance from China
Osmanthus has been cultivated in China for more than 2500 years. It is indigenous to Southern China and has historically been used to flavor pastry and wine. It was described in
The Songs of Chu from the Warring States period as far back as 300 BCE. Li Shizhen, Ming Dynasty physician and author of classic medical texts, states that the Osmanthus flower contains no toxin.
The fragrance of Osmanthus absolute is distinguished by an earthy base note and a very crisp top note supplied by a variety of Ionone components. One is inspired to dream that the fragrance of Osmanthus provides an ethereal bridge between Heaven and Earth.