Saffron

Saffron is a selection of Crocus cartwrightianus. The very beautiful saffron flowers belong to the iris family. The history of saffron goes back more than 3,500 years. It can be said to have crossed through several different cultures and civilizations. In Greek mythology, saffron is said to symbolize resurrection and eternal life. Saffron is one of the most expensive substances in the world. This is why, along with its color, it is nicknamed “red gold”. Originally from Greece, saffron is now produced in Iran, Morocco, Spain, Italy and the French Mediterranean basin.

Saffron, a spicy beauty

Saffron, which is a spice, naturally falls into the “spicy” olfactory family, alongside cinnamon, clove or cardamom. Saffron has a spicy scent but with a leathery, even tar-like facet. In any case, fragrances that include saffron are undeniably fragrances of character. As soon as distillation was discovered, allowing precious oil to be extracted from spices, perfumery began to use spices. Saffron adds spice to compositions, but above all its facets differ from those of nutmeg, cinnamon or clove. Red gold is very modern in perfumery, yet few perfumers use it. A beautiful fragrance that pays tribute to it is Eau de Néroli doré by Hermès. The perfumer at the house of Hermès spent his entire childhood by the Mediterranean. Here, he pays tribute to the scents of his childhood.

The accord of saffron and other olfactory families

Like its olfactory family, saffron takes its full place in oriental fragrances. It brings its leathery fragrance as well as its strong character, as in the fragrance Ange ou Démon by Givenchy. In this floral oriental, saffron is found as a top note, accompanied by thyme and mandarin. The floral heart, composed of ylang-ylang, orchid and lily, brings genuine lightness as well as an undisguised sensuality. As in this fragrance, saffron pairs remarkably well with floral notes. Those that suit it best are lily, violet or rose, as these are flowers of temperament. In the fragrance Magnifique by Lancôme, saffron as a top note is judiciously paired with rose and jasmine. The bottle, colored with passion and saffron, is a true invitation to sensuality. Saffron also pairs with warm, creamy notes, such as vanilla, tonka bean or white musks.

Red gold has long been considered a luxury product. It was an integral part of Greek mythology, and carries many symbols. Saffron is a spice with strong character. It stands out for its leathery, tar-like scent. Saffron is naturally found in oriental fragrances. However, it also pairs with floral, woody or vanilla notes.