Hydrangea

Hydrangea absolute originates from the freshly harvested flower petals of Hydrangea macrophylla. Growers hand‑pick buds at full bloom, then immediately chill them to preserve volatile oils. The chilled petals undergo solvent extraction, most often with hexane, which draws out the fragrant molecules while leaving pigments behind. After maceration, the mixture is filtered and the solvent is removed under reduced pressure, yielding a thick, amber‑colored absolute. Some artisans supplement the process with supercritical CO₂ extraction to capture lighter top notes without heat damage. The final product is stored in amber glass to protect it from light and oxidation, ensuring the delicate green‑floral character remains intact for months.