Bulgarian rose oil is of superior quality that is unrivaled in the world. It is a material, preferred by many reputable perfumery manufacturers. Its secret lies in the technology of extraction - by triple distillation and intermediate cooling.
Despite the fact that the oil-yielding rose does not originate from Bulgaria, the local climate is its most favorable environment for flourishing.
The evergreen gardens of South China are considered home for the oil-yielding rose.
Later the plant spread over other Asian regions - India, Persia, Syria and Afghanistan. The oil-yielding rose was brought to Bulgaria by the Ottoman Turks, who used rose oil in some of the Muslim rituals.
The strongest tradition in rose production is near the towns of Karlovo and Kazanlak.
Not surprisingly, this region is called the Valley of Roses. Rose growing was the main livelihood of the local population. The Rose Institute and the only in the world museum of roses, where you can learn about the history of the plant and about rose production in Bulgaria, are located in Kazanlak.
Rose harvest in Kazanlak and Karlovo is held in late May and is associated with joy, feasts and songs. Oil-yielding rose is picked early in the morning, when the leaves of the plant are covered with drops of dew. It is these drops, where the rose oil is stored, and they are the key to high quality rose products.
The Festival of Roses in Kazanlak, which takes place in the days of rose-picking, is one of the most joyful and beautiful festivals in the country. Many guests from Bulgaria and abroad gather in the town and witness a pageant of roses, songs and beautiful rituals.
Early in the morning is the festive rose picking, when beautiful