Anyone who has had the opportunity to explore the Amazon knows that the largest and most important biome in the world hides many secrets. Every visit to the forest, rivers and communities, we are amazed by new cultures, species, colors, aromas and textures.
That’s what happened a few years ago, when we “discovered” Amazongrass, a unique, special and exclusive ingredient from Kaapi Ingredients. In this content, we will tell you a little more about this story – and what are the advantages of this ingredient for perfumery.
The history of Amazongrass
In 2018, technicians and perfumers from Kaapi Ingredients were visiting the plantations of Simpatia Farm, in Itacoatiara, Amazonas, when they got surprised with one of the plants.
They were clumps with about 1 meter in height, formed by leaves in stakes, flat and long, that have sharp edges and light green color. The farm technicians had planted the seedlings as being citronella, Cymbopogon winterianus. However, the perfumer identified the material as lemongrass. The doubt was raised. The material was harvested and taken to the laboratory so the necessary analyzes could be run and the doubt come to an end.
Well known Citronella oil has a floral, herbal, sweet and characteristic odor, while this mysterious plant, promptly nicknamed Amazongrass, brought a more balanced, fresh, citrus and pleasant aroma, which offered a refreshingness very suitable for the warm Amazon region.
The olfactory profile of Amazongrass
The Amazonian terroir – with its particular edaphoclimatic characteristics – caused a small variation in the expected olfactory profile of citronella, imprinting unique characteristics to an oil that, as citronella, wouldn’t bring any novelty to the market.
Amazongrass has delicate citrus notes combined with floral and refreshing facets. It was named with the contraction of amazon of Amazonia and grass of its olfactory proximity with lemongrass.
It is a very particular ingredient that has been attracting the attention of perfumers who see the secrets of the Amazon as a great bet for original and exclusive creations. In aromatherapy, Amazongrass is an essential oil used to promote well-being. Its perfume inspires tranquility, calmness and peace – perfect for warding off fatigue and sadness.
Change in olfactory profile impacts the region
Kaapi maintains its Amazongrass plantation on a farm in Itacoatiara. The municipality is the third most populous in the state of Amazonas, located on the north bank of the Amazon River about 180 km east of Manaus. There are 104,046 inhabitants in an area of 8.891.906 km².
As Amazongrass harvesting is done manually and all distillation process takes place on the farm, the activity contributes to income generation for local communities and consequently to forest maintenance (as it inhibits deforestation). From plantation to extraction, Amazongrass has a production cycle of 3 to 4 months, meaning there is a financial return for communities in a shorter time span compared to other traditional crops in the region such as cassava and guarana.
There is no doubt that the change in olfactory profile of Cymbopogon winterianus that originated Amazongrass brought a new source of inspiration for perfumers and aromatherapists – which causes us a happy surprise. In addition to the authenticity of the ingredient, this is another opportunity that Kaapi has to reinforce its commitment to ESG criteria (Environmental Social and Governance) in favor of the environment, Amazonian communities and sustainability.
Do you want to get to know this unique and exclusive ingredient from Kaapi Ingredients up close?
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