On our website, youβll find many different varieties of lavender. There are so many varieties that you can no longer see the lavender field for the lavender π Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing effects. All varieties of lavender have the same beneficial effects but each has a very different scent. There are also differences in, for example, where theyβre grown and the distillation process. In this in-depth blog post, Iβll tell you all about the different varieties of lavender so that you can make an informed choice from the range available.
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Genuine lavender oil is extracted from the flowers of the Lavandula angustifolia, a variety of lavender native to the Mediterranean region. The essential oil is usually extracted by steam distillation. This is the βtrueβ lavender (also known as fine lavender), and is often regarded as the highest quality amongst the various types of lavender oil. The scent profile of this lavender is fresh, slightly floral, gently spicy and slightly sweet. Many people find the scent of lavender a little too overpowering. It is a distinct scent, which makes it too intense for some people.
It takes around 100 to 150 kg of fresh flowers to produce 1 litre of lavender oil.
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Bulgaria is now one of the largest β if not the largest β producers of lavender oil in the world. This is surprising, as many people immediately think of France. But Bulgarian lavender is truly top quality and hugely popular in the worlds of aromatherapy, cosmetics and perfumery. Most of the lavender fields are located in the Rose Valley area (near Kazanlak) and the Dobrich region in the north-east.
The climate and soil here are perfect: plenty of sunshine, dry air and calcareous soil. Because Bulgaria has set up large-scale production backed by a great deal of expertise, the oil is often slightly cheaper, whilst the quality is comparable to that of French lavender. A higher content of linalool and linalyl acetate than in many other lavender varieties gives it a complex and balanced aroma. The scent is spicier and warmer, and a little more βearthyβ than the French variety.
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Mont Blanc Lavender β a true gem amongst lavender varieties! This particular variety of lavender comes from the high mountains surrounding the Mont Blanc region, on the border between France, Italy and Switzerland. This is high-mountain lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), often organically grown, and known for its exceptionally delicate fragrance and energising properties.
This Lavender It grows at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to, in some cases, as high as 1,800 metres above sea level. Due to the altitude and the cold, the plants grow more slowly, resulting in a more concentrated oil with a more complex aroma profile. The sun, lower levels of pollution and the fresh mountain air produce a unique, pure and vibrant oil.
The scent of this variety of lavender is soft, fresh, crisp and almost citrusy! It is an elegant lavender scent. It is a lovely variety of lavender for people who find the scent of real lavender too sharp.
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Spike lavender It has a completely different vibe to classic lavender. Itβs more herbaceous, more potent, and has a spicy edge. Itβs a really interesting variety, especially for people who like a strong, fresh scent. Spike lavender is mainly found in Spain and Portugal and grows at lower altitudes than true lavender.
The scent is less gentle and sweet than that of real lavender. Think more of lavender with a generous dash of mint or rosemary added. Very fresh and invigorating. This is due to a high concentration of the chemical compound camphor. This lavender also contains linalool and cineol, as found in eucalyptus, which gives Spike Lavender a powerful, fresh, almost eucalyptus-like scent.
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Lavandin from the ArdΓ¨che is another lovely and potent type of lavender! This isnβt βtrue lavenderβ, but a hybrid variety that is particularly prized for its strong fragrance and high oil yield. Lavandin is a cross between true lavender and spike lavender.
The most common variety in the ArdΓ¨che is often lavandin grosso, but there are also βsuperβ and βabrialβ varieties. The ArdΓ¨che in southern France is a rugged, sunny region with chalky soil and significant variations in altitude β an ideal area for growing lavandin, which is often organically cultivated and harvested and distilled using traditional methods.
The scent of lavandin is stronger than that of true lavender. Its high camphor and cineole content makes the scent fresher and more invigorating. It is a lavender with a spicy twist and a hint of eucalyptus. Not quite as gentle as true lavender, but very energising, pure and refreshing!
Lavandin has a higher oil yield, which is why this type of lavender oil is more commonly found in commercial products.
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Lavender Fine AOP (Appellation dβOrigine ProtΓ©gΓ©e) is a top-quality essential oil derived from true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which grows at high altitude in Provence β more specifically at the foot of Mont Ventoux, at an altitude of over 800 metres. This exceptional location, with its pure air, limestone-rich soil and intense sunshine, produces lavender that is rich in natural esters and aromas. Only producers from the four French departments β DrΓ΄me, Vaucluse, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes β with municipalities situated at an altitude of over 800 metres may submit their lavender oil products for this AOP Lavender quality selection. Each year, less than 10 tonnes of the 100 tonnes of lavender oil supplied are certified with the AOP label.
The oil is distilled with great care in a high-altitude distillery, at a relatively low temperature of 92 to 93 Β°C. This lower distillation temperature minimises the thermal breakdown of the precious active compounds and helps to better preserve the delicate aromatic molecules. It increases the ester content, which in turn results in an even gentler effect and scent. Even people who arenβt normally fans of lavender often fall for the refinement and gentleness of this oil. Iβm not a huge fan of the scent of lavender oil myself, but this oil is truly lovely!
The AOP (Appellation dβOrigine ProtΓ©gΓ©e) quality mark guarantees:
- Originating from a specific area in Provence
- Traditional cultivation and harvesting methods
- Pure Lavandula angustifolia, not a hybrid lavandin
- Strict quality control
Each batch is analysed for its odour profile, chemical composition (ester content, linalool, camphor, etc.) and its origin and traceability
Only oil that meets strict standards is permitted to bear the AOP label. It is comparable to the protected designations for French wine or cheese β only the very best may bear this title.
I hope that, after reading this blog, youβll be able to make the right choice from all the different types of lavender. Whichever type of lavender you choose, itβs always wonderfully relaxing!
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