Flavour of the Week - Orris Root

Orris root is probably best known for being one of the botanicals that is readily used in Gin and is also a very commonly used base note in many perfumes.

The rising price or Orris absolute has meant it is not as common as it used to be in the perfume world, often being substituted for Jasmin which is a third of the price.

The root itelf comes from the Iris plant and has been present in herbal medicine for many years. Part of the reason why it has become so expensive to use in perfumes is that it produces a relatively low yield of essential oil and also can take up to five years to dry out.

Orris root is also available as a tincture, essential oil or as a hydrosol.

Flavour - Floral, fragrant, slightly bitter, similar to violet.