Why Bulgaria ?
The Valley of the Roses in central Bulgaria lies just south of the Balkan Mountains , an imposing range of peaks that has halted invading armies and protected the quiet valley for millennia . Today , because of its location , few vehicles pass through the valley , keeping the air and soil clean from contaminants . Located near the Black Sea , the valley has a sunny climate coupled with well-drained , sandy soil that work together to create ideal conditions for growing roses . In addition , roses require significant amounts of rain . The geography of the area again provides just the right conditions , thanks to the sweeping Balkan mountain range . As moisture evaporates from the Black Sea , gentle breezes push the moist air inland to the north . When the moist air reaches the mountains surrounding the Valley of the Roses , it ’ s forced upward . As it moves higher , the water vapour cools and condenses , forming clouds . The clouds , trapped by the mountain peaks , grow larger until eventually , it begins to rain .
Mild winters , sandy soil , and heavy spring rains come together to make this valley one of the best places on the planet to grow roses . It is no wonder , then , that the rose is the national flower of Bulgaria . This is also the reason that dōTERRA chose to source its Rose essential oil in the Valley of the Roses .
Harvesting Fields of Roses
More than 100 species of roses exist , but it is the Damask Rose , or Rosa damascena , that is grown and distilled in Bulgaria for dōTERRA™ Rose essential oil . The Damask rose was first introduced to Bulgaria in the seventeenth century and is widely regarded as producing the highest quality rose oil .
Starting in early May , the rose harvest dominates the social and economic landscape of the Valley of the Roses for weeks . Family and friends come and help the rose farmers bring in their annual harvest . More than 50,000 harvesters are hired to collect roses during the short window when the essential oil volume is at its highest . While agricultural technology has revolutionised how many crops are harvested , roses are harvested in much the same way today as hundreds of years ago — by hand , one loving blossom at a time .
The best time for picking is just as they begin opening their petals . Starting well before dawn , harvesters work through the morning to collect the delicate blossoms , taking care not to crush any in the process . The availability of oil is highest in the cool hours of the morning , decreasing as the sun rises . Because the rose petals are so delicate , they must be steam distilled the same day they are harvested . Wait too long , and valuable essential oil is lost .
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