Stems

Perfume makers harvest stems shortly after the plant reaches peak maturity, when the vascular tissue holds the highest concentration of aromatic compounds. They trim the stalks, remove any leaves, and dry them in a shaded, ventilated space to preserve volatile oils. For steam distillation, the dried stems are placed in a copper still, water circulates, and steam carries the oil droplets into a condenser. The resulting essential oil separates from the water and is collected in amber glass. When the stem material is too delicate for steam, producers turn to solvent extraction, immersing the stems in hexane for several hours. The solvent dissolves both volatile and semi‑volatile molecules, then evaporates under reduced pressure, leaving a thick, fragrant absolute. Some high‑value stems, such as sandalwood, undergo supercritical CO₂ extraction, which captures a broader spectrum of constituents while leaving the plant matrix intact. Throughout each step, technicians monitor temperature, pressure, and time to prevent degradation of heat‑sensitive aromatics. The final product is filtered, tested for purity, and stored in cool, dark conditions until it reaches the perfumer's bench.