Lavandin Absolute from Concrète

#### Lavandin Absolute from Concrète. A **Lavandin Concrète **(see this) is produced by extraction of the flowering **Lavandin **plant (see **Lavandin**** ****Oil**) with a hydrocarbon solvent, usually petroleum ether or benzene. The concrète is subsequently extracted with alcohol; the alcoholic extracts are chilled and filtered, then evaporated cautiously, applying vacuum towards the end of the distillation. The extract thus produced is known as **Lavandin Absolute from Concrète**. Production takes place in the south of France, right in the heart of the lavandin-growing areas. Very small quantities are produced in Italy, Yugoslavia, Hungary and—experimentally—-in Spain and Argentina. Lavandin absolute from concrète is a viscous, very dark green liquid of pronounced herbaceous odor, resembling that of the flowering herb closely. In comparison to the **Lavandin Oil, **the absolute from concrète has a deeper sweetness and body as well as a rich undertone. The camphoraceous-camphene-like topnotes of the oil are subdued, if present at all, in the **Absolute**. **Lavandin**** ****Absolute**** ****from**** ****Concrète**** **is used in fougères, new-mown-hay types, herbaceous-floral fragrances, “forest”-notes, refreshing colognes, etc. It blends excellently with patchouli, clove oil, citrus oils (bergamot and lime in particular), amylsalicylate (whose “rough” corners it rounds off), ionones, etc. Its intense green color may be a disadvantage in some cases, but partially decolorized products are available. However, the natural and unbleached extract gives the note of the flowering herb which is most true to nature. This absolute is available in quantities to meet any demand, and its price is so low that this cannot possibly be an obstacle to the use of Lavandin Absolute from **Concrète.** See also: **Lavandin**** ****Absolute**** ****from**** ****Distillation**** ****Water.**