Dew of roses

Since ancient times, the rose has been the most popular and most used plant in rituals. The rose belongs to the Rosaceae family. There are more than 200 species and more than 18,000 cultivars of roses.

Rosa damascena, native to Syria, is highly perfumed and is most cultivated for its perfumed oils. One of the well-known areas for growing Damask roses is the Rose Valley in Bulgaria. The climate is mild, slightly continental, characterized by warmer winters, cooler summers, higher precipitation and humidity.

Bulgarian rose oil and rose water produced by hard-working farmers are top quality products that are exported to Europe and Asia and used mainly in the cosmetics and fragrance industries. For centuries, roses have been harvested by hand between 5 and 10 in the morning. The flowers are collected in sealed plastic bags and quickly transported to a nearby distillery.