Thyme Absolute

#### Thyme Absolute. A small amount of thyme herb (**Thymus**** ****Vulgaris**) is extracted in France, particularly by one manufacturer who specializes in extracted perfume materials, ultrasonic extracts, etc. The dried herb is extracted with petroleum ether or other hydrocarbon solvent. The extract is a concrète of thyme. This is extracted with alcohol and yields an absolute. A diluted, liquid extract, obtained by direct hydro-alcoholic extraction (percolation) of the coarsely pulverized thyme herb, is known in pharmacy as **Thyme**** ****Fluidextract**. The use of diluted alcohol results in a much darker extract than when pure alcohol is used. For perfumery purposes, it is an advantage to use the two-step extraction which eliminates most of the chlorophyll and other coloring matter. **Thyme**** ****Absolute**** **is a very viscous, dark green liquid or a semi-solid mass. Its odor is very deep-herbaceous, sweet and somewhat green with a rich, spicy undertone and a faintly medicinal, but pleasant bodynote. This product is useful in perfumery for its peculiar effect which is entirely different from that of the thyme oil. In traces, the absolute can introduce beautifully natural notes in jasmin, hyacinth, violet, etc., and it lends a rich herbaceous note in fougère, chypre, colognes, etc., where it blends well with citrus oils, lavender, oakmoss, patchouli, isobornylacetate, etc. In flavors, **Thyme**** ****Absolute**** **may be used as an improvement over thyme oil in all kinds of sauces, seasonings, and other food products, providing its green color is not prohibitive. It is possible that Thyme Absolute may be produced on an increasing scale *if,** *for example, Morocco will go into production of this item. The thyme plant is not too plentiful in France and, in Spain where there are numerous varieties of thyme plants, there are very few extraction facilities. See also **Thyme**** ****Oil**, next monograph.