Osmanthus is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Oleaceae, mostly native to the warm temperate zone, from the Caucasus east to Japan, with one species occurring in the southeastern United States, from Texas to Virginia.
Osmanthus range in size from shrubs to small trees, 2–12 m (7–39 ft) tall. The leaves are opposite, evergreen and simple, with an entire, serrated or coarsely toothed margin. The flowers are produced in spring, summer or autumn, each flower being about 1 cm long, white, with a four-lobed tubular-based corolla ('petals'). The flowers grow in small panicles, and in several species have a strong fragrance. The fruit is a small (10–15 mm), hard-skinned dark blue to purple drupe containing a single seed.
Osmanthus absolute is indeed an expensive raw material for the perfumer, but worth investing in due to its unique olfactory profile: Highly fragrant and succulent in its peachy-apricot top note it is nothing short of mouthwatering. The effect of the natural flower is undoubtedly enhanced with a synthesized apricot creamy note, giving an almost velour’s effect.
This absolute is of Chinese Origin and is produced by solvent extraction of the fragrant flowers. The color is golden yellow and it takes approximately 3000 kilos of flowers to produce just one kilo of this sensational absolute oil.
Osmanthus fragrance is a flower native to China that is valued for its delicate fruity-floral apricot aroma. While the flowers of Osmanthus range from silver-white to gold-orange to reddish, the extract (alcohol absolute) is usually prepared from the gold-orange flowers. Osmanthus absolute is very expensive and accordingly is used in only the most expensive perfumes and flavors. Osmanthus is used extensively in fine fragrances for its floral and fruity-floral aroma. The aroma can be described as a sweet- floral, apricot, fig type of scent. It is a heavenly oil and very pleasing to the senses.
Osmanthus has a long history of ornamental and medicinal uses. Osmanthus played a role in traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies as a symbol of love and romance. Osmanthus was initially introduced to Europe by French botanist Jean Delavan during the mid-1800s.
Benefit & Uses: Absolutely delightful—fruity and floral, yet delicate. Very few people can resist smiling when the aroma of Osmanthus is in the air.
Osmanthus flowers have been used as an herbal tea for many years in the Far East. Some of the health benefits claimed for the tea include promoting beautiful skin, improving digestive processes, improving appetite after illness, and aiding the body in proper detoxification and elimination. Osmanthus tea is also said to relieve fatigue and improve appetite.
Though used extensively as an addition to teas and other beverages and sparingly in the perfume industry, Osmanthus is a relative newcomer to therapeutic aromatherapy. One whiff of its amazing fragrance, however, and you may find yourself wanting to write volumes in praise of this intoxicating, but expensive, essential oil. It is estimated that approximately 3,000 kilos of flowers is required to yield one kilo of absolute essential oil. This explains both the rarity of the oil and the expense.
Traditional Chinese medicine claims that a cup of Osmanthus tea each day can improve complexion, according to Crazyfortea.com. The basis for these claims is likely the high concentration of various compounds found in plants that have antioxidant effects in the body combined with its ability to inhibit melanin formation, leading to a lighter skin tone.
The flowers of Osmanthusfragrance are used throughout East Asia for their scent and flavor, which is likened to apricot and peach.
In China, Osmanthus tea combines sweet Osmanthus flowers with black or green tea leaves. Osmanthus wine flavors huangjiu or other rice wines with full Osmanthus blossoms and is traditionally consumed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Traditional Chinese medicine claims that Osmanthus tea improves complexion and helps rid the body of excess nitric oxide, a compound linked to the formation of cancer, diabetes, and renal disease.