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    SILLORIA

    Ingredient Profile

    Java patchouli fragrance note

    Java patchouli delivers a deep, earthy aroma anchored by rich woody undertones, offering a grounded scent that anchors modern blends with a…More

    Indonesia

    1

    Fragrances

    StoryProductionOrigin

    Fragrances featuring Java patchouli

    Eau de Patchouli by Reminiscence
    Best Seller
    3.8

    Eau de Patchouli

    Reminiscence

    Character

    The Story of Java patchouli

    Java patchouli delivers a deep, earthy aroma anchored by rich woody undertones, offering a grounded scent that anchors modern blends with a touch of tropical heritage.

    Heritage

    Patchouli first appeared in the Indian subcontinent, where artisans placed dried leaves between fabric folds to deter moths during long voyages. By the 12th century, traders carried the herb along the Silk Road into the Middle East, where it gained a reputation as a natural insect repellent. Dutch colonists introduced the plant to the Indonesian archipelago in the 1700s, and the volcanic soils of Java proved ideal for large‑scale cultivation. By the early 1900s, Java supplied most of the world’s patchouli oil, feeding the booming perfume houses of Europe. The scent became a hallmark of bohemian culture in the 1960s, symbolising freedom and earthiness. Today, perfumers value Java patchouli for its consistent composition and the depth it adds to woody, oriental, and niche fragrances.

    At a Glance

    Fragrances

    1

    Feature this note

    Origin

    Indonesia

    Primary source region

    Ingredient Details

    Extraction

    Steam distillation

    Used Parts

    Dried leaves

    Did You Know

    "Java patchouli accounts for roughly 90% of the world’s patchouli oil, thanks to Indonesia’s humid highlands that boost leaf oil content up to 5% by weight."

    Production

    How Java patchouli Is Made

    Farmers cultivate Pogostemon cablin on the volcanic slopes of Java, where mist and rich soil encourage vigorous growth. Harvesters trim the tops of mature plants in early summer, then spread the foliage in thin layers to dry for ten to twelve days under shade. Dried leaves retain a high concentration of sesquiterpenes, the chemical backbone of the oil. The material moves to a stainless steel still where steam passes through at 100 °C for 4‑6 hours. As vapor condenses, a clear, amber liquid separates from water; the oil settles on top and is drawn off by gravity. Typical yields range from 0.5 to 1.5 % by weight, meaning a tonne of dried leaves produces 5‑15 kg of oil. After filtration, the oil rests in dark glass to stabilize its aromatic profile before bottling. Quality control checks for patchoulol content, which should exceed 30 % to meet premium standards.

    Provenance

    Indonesia

    Indonesia7.5°S, 110.5°E

    About Java patchouli