Aroma Trading Limited - Introduction to hydrolats

Introduction to Hydrolats

What is a hydrolat?
Hydrolats are the final water by-product left over after the steam distillation of a plant has been completed. Most essential oil distillations use the same water over and over again in a process known as cohobation. At the end of each distillation cycle, there will be a high concentration of water soluble elements in the water. These waters are known as hydrolats or hydrosols.

All of our hydrolats are derived from organically-Grown or organically-certified material, and are in great demand for various skin care products, refreshing facial sprays, soaps, natural room and surface sprays and even in some food and flavour applications.

Are they the same as Floral Waters?
Most floral waters are nothing more than sweet smelling, fragrance enhanced, flower waters. Genuine hydrolats are a totally natural by product of hydro/steam distillation and are free from any preservative or fragrance enhancements. Most hydrolats do not have a pleasant aroma, especially Tea Tree and Ylang Ylang, but the bioactivity of the hydrolat more than compensates for this.

What is the shelf-life of a hydrolat?
Bearing in mind we do not add any preservative to the hydrolat, you must store the product in a cool dark place, and minimise the volume of air in the container. We recommend a temperature range of 10-15°C, and to decant into smaller containers as you work your way through the container. Our Rose hydrolat for instance will last up to 5 years or more under optimum storage conditions, but in general most will last 2 years if stored properly. Occasionally you may notice sediment settling at the bottom of the container, but this is perfectly natural. As we are dealing in a natural by-product, there will be variation between distillations of the same crop season, and availability is sometimes limited depending on demand and the economics of transport. We do however, offer a call-off facility, where a quantity can be reserved for your needs over an agreed period. Please contact us for more details.

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