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Roselle

FLOWERS  /  floral · fruity · fresh
Roselle
Roselle perfume ingredient
CategoryFLOWERS
Subcategoryfloral · fruity · fresh
Origin
VolatilityHeart Note
BotanicalHibiscus sabdariffa
AppearanceDark red to crimson liquid
Odor StrengthMedium
Producing CountriesSudan, Egypt, Thailand, India, Mexico, Nigeria
PyramidHeart

Hibiscus sabdariffa. Tart, cranberry-red, and slightly astringent -- the plant behind bissap, agua de Jamaica, and karkade.

  1. Scent
  2. The Full Story
  3. Fun Fact
  4. Extraction & Chemistry
  5. In Perfumery

Scent

The olfactory character of roselle is specific and recognizable. Hibiscus sabdariffa. The scent is more about atmosphere and association than about individual molecules.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

Hibiscus sabdariffa
After a few hours

After a few hours

Developing warmth and complexity
After a few days

After a few days

Subtle residual trace

The Full Story

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is the species whose calyces produce the deep-red, tart, cranberry-like tisane known as bissap (West Africa), agua de Jamaica (Mexico), or karkade (Egypt). The scent of the dried calyces is tart, fruity, and slightly astringent -- more sour than sweet, with a cranberry-like acidity. In perfumery, roselle provides a tart-fruity-floral concept, built from red fruit, acidic, and floral-tea materials.

This note in Première Peau. Nuit Elastique · Rose Monotone. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

Related: 2 Phenoxyethanol · Alba Rose · Benzophenone · Beta Damascenone · China Rose · Citronellyl Formate · Desert Rose · Dried Rose

Did You Know?

Did you know?
the plant behind bissap, agua de Jamaica, and karkade.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Not a naturally extracted material. The note is a perfumery reconstruction or fantasy accord.

Molecular Formulacomplex mixture (anthocyanins, organic acids)
CAS Number84775-96-2 (seed oil)
Botanical NameHibiscus sabdariffa
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
SynonymsHibiscus, Sorrel, Florida Cranberry
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthMedium
AppearanceDark red to crimson liquid
Specific Gravity1.000 to 1.050 @ 25 °C (est)

In Perfumery

Roselle functions as a fantasy or concept note in modern fragrance. Not derived from a single natural source; the impression is reconstructed from multiple materials to capture the essence of the original.

From the raw to the worn

This is what it becomes.