What does the word coffee mean?
The word "coffee" comes from the Arabic "qahwah," meaning "wine." The first coffeehouses were indeed social gathering places where people drank coffee, as well as wine and other beverages. Today, coffee is an international beverage and a popular ingredient in cooking and perfumery.
In the beginning…
Coffee originated in Ethiopia, where it had been consumed as a beverage for centuries. In the 16th century, it was introduced to the Arab world, where it quickly became popular as a stimulating and social drink. From there, it spread throughout Europe and became a common beverage in cafes and homes.
Coffee has only recently been used in perfumery. Perfumers have discovered that coffee notes add a warm and sensual dimension to fragrances, in addition to their stimulating and energizing power. As a result, many men's and women's fragrances now contain coffee notes, making it a popular and beloved ingredient.
DID YOU KNOW? The Ethiopian legend of the "Dance of the Energized Goats" tells that the shepherd Kaldi discovered coffee while observing his herd of goats, who were very energetic after eating the berries from an unknown tree. Intrigued, he tasted the fruit himself and felt a new sense of energy. Kaldi shared his discovery with a local monk, who came up with the idea of infusing the berries in hot water, thus giving birth to the first cup of coffee.
Origin of coffee
Coffee has been a popular beverage for centuries for its stimulating properties and strong flavor. The earliest records of its consumption date back to Ethiopia, where it was used in ritual ceremonies and medicinal practices. Over time, coffee sellers moved to Arab lands, where the drink became a symbol of social gathering and conviviality. Coffeehouses were then places for men to meet and chat.
As it spread across the world, coffee has gained an important place in culinary and perfumery culture. Coffee notes in perfumery have become very popular in recent years, offering a warm and sensual aroma that adds a unique sophistication to any fragrance composition.
Coffee cultivation
Coffee cultivation begins with the careful selection of a suitable location in tropical regions, generally located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The seeds, also called "coffee," or young plants are carefully planted in well-drained soil, preferably rich in organic matter, and at an appropriate altitude. Climate plays a vital role in the growth of the coffee plant, which requires an average temperature and regular rainfall to thrive.
Over time, the coffee tree requires constant attention from farmers. Watering, protection from pests and diseases, and regular pruning are essential farming practices to promote optimal plant development . After several years, the trees begin to flower, and these flowers give rise to red or purple fruits, called coffee cherries, which ripen slowly over several weeks.
Once ripe, the coffee is harvested . This step is crucial and can be done by hand, a traditional method that ensures careful selection of the cherries, or mechanically for large plantations. After harvesting, the coffee beans are extracted from the cherries and undergo a processing process. Depending on the method used, the beans can either be washed and pulped to obtain a "washed" coffee, or dried in the sun with the pulp intact for a "natural" coffee. Finally, the beans are roasted at specific temperatures to develop their characteristic flavor, ready to be ground and prepared to offer a delicious cup of coffee, so appreciated throughout the world.
What did you know about coffee in perfumery?
To obtain the coffee essence used in perfumery, different extraction methods can be used. The most common is supercritical CO2 extraction, which preserves the subtle and rich aroma of coffee without altering its olfactory quality.
The olfactory profile of coffee in perfumery is rich and captivating. It brings a deep and captivating warmth, with gourmet notes of roasted coffee, cocoa, and sometimes caramel. Coffee accords can also reveal woody, spicy, or floral facets, depending on the other ingredients in the composition.
Coffee is often used in oriental, gourmand, and woody fragrances to add a seductive and comforting dimension. It can also be combined with notes of vanilla, tobacco, musk, citrus, or florals, creating bold and sophisticated accords. Adding coffee to a fragrance can add a touch of intensity and depth, as well as a feeling of warmth and comfort that evokes the pleasure of freshly brewed coffee.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Almonds are a versatile and beneficial ingredient widely used in various fields. In cooking, almonds are prized for their rich flavor and crunchy texture, used in snacks, baked goods, salads, and even to produce almond milk. In personal care, sweet almond oil is prized for its moisturizing and skin-soothing properties, while almonds are used in cosmetics to create perfumes and body care products. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, almonds are also beneficial for health, strengthening bones, supporting the immune system, and helping to prevent chronic diseases!
UNUSUAL! The lethal dose of caffeine for a human being is 10g, or about 100 standard cups of coffee!
Famous coffee flavors
Coffee perfumes are known for their gourmet scents, whether for men or women, the smell of coffee is the source of great perfumes:
• Noir Exquis by L'Artisan Parfumeur , which combines notes of coffee, caramel and orange blossom.
• Thierry Mugler 's A Men Pure Coffee Eau de Toilette, which blends coffee accords in the heart note and cedarwood in the top and base notes. Also check out A Men Pure Tonka Eau de Parfum, where coffee notes are combined with the gourmand notes of tonka bean.
• Cacharel 's bestselling eau de toilette, Amor Amor Forbidden Kiss, also uses coffee blended with top notes of mandarin and grapefruit. The fragrance then reveals a floral heart composed of peony and frangipani, which rests on a slightly more contrasting base of pink berries and musk.
• Finally, the Black Opium eau de parfum from Yves Saint Laurent offers a more oriental and comforting fragrance. After a fresh fruity opening, we discover in the heart notes a delicious combination of jasmine and coffee. The warm and comforting character of this perfume is found in the base marked by vanilla and cedar wood and patchouli.
Currently, the Bon Parfumeur collection does not offer any fragrances containing coffee. But that won't be long, as our olfactory teams are working tirelessly to develop new fragrances! In any case, don't hesitate to visit our website or come visit us in-store!
