What does the word almond mean?
The word "almond" comes from the Latin "amandula", which in turn derives from the ancient Greek "amygdalē". The etymology of the word is linked to the shape of the almond seed, which is oval and reminiscent of the amygdala, an almond-shaped parity structure located at the heart of the cerebral cortex.
In the beginning…
The history of almonds goes back over 4,000 years. The first mentions of almonds date back to ancient Egypt, where they were considered a sacred food. The ancient Greeks believed almonds had aphrodisiac properties and often consumed them before weddings.
In the Middle Ages, almonds were an ingredient of choice in many dishes. French croissants are also known for their half-moon shape, reminiscent of almonds. Over the following centuries, almonds became a popular ingredient in beauty products and perfumes, thanks to their delicate fragrance and skin-nourishing properties.
DID YOU KNOW? Almonds are often used as a milk substitute for people who are lactose-intolerant. Almond milk is made by grinding almonds and mixing them with water, then filtering the resulting preparation. It has become popular as a vegan alternative to cow's milk.
Almond tree cultivation
The almond tree grows mainly in regions with a Mediterranean climate, such as the Middle East, the Mediterranean region, California and parts of Australia. It requires a warm, sunny climate, deep, well-drained soil and regular irrigation.
During its first years of life, the almond tree concentrates on establishing its roots and developing a solid structure. Regular watering and fertilizing help promote healthy growth. When the almond tree reaches maturity, it enters the production phase, with the formation of flowers in spring, followed by pollination and fruiting.
The almond harvest takes place in late summer or early autumn, when the fruit has reached maturity. This is often the time when the outer shell of the almond begins to crack or dry out. Harvesting usually takes place when the almonds are still attached to the tree, but are ripe enough to be easily removed.
What do you know about almonds in perfumery?
In perfumery, almonds are often recreated by using synthetic molecules. This is due to the high cost of producing real almond essential oil, and the greater stability and longevity of synthetic molecules.
These molecules are created by perfume chemists using organic synthesis techniques. The synthetic molecule most commonly used to recreate the scent of almonds in perfumery is benzyl acetate. This synthetic molecule is designed to reproduce the specific olfactory notes of almonds, whether sweet or bitter. Perfumery chemists adjust concentrations and combine different compounds to create almond accords that match the perfumer's intention.
In perfumery, almond is appreciated for its sweet, mild and slightly bitter note. It can be used as the main note in pure almond-based perfumes, or as a heart or base note to enrich other olfactory accords. Almond blends well with a variety of other ingredients, enabling the creation of a wide range of fragrance compositions. Here's a non-exhaustive list of possible olfactory accords with almond:
• Almond-vanilla accord: Sweet almond is often combined with vanilla to create a gourmand, comforting accord. The sweet, creamy notes of vanilla complement the almond, adding a warm, delicious dimension to the composition.
• Almond-orange blossom accord: The combination of almond and orange blossom creates a soft, sunny floral accord. The delicate floral notes of orange blossom blend harmoniously with the sweetness of almond, creating a refined, elegant fragrance.
• Almond-cherry accord: Almond and cherry can be combined to create a fruity, gourmand accord. The juicy, sweet notes of cherry mingle with the soft, slightly bitter nuances of almond, creating a seductive, irresistible combination.
• Almond-bergamot accord: The combination of almond and bergamot creates a fresh, sparkling accord. The lemony, aromatic notes of bergamot mingle with the sweetness of almond, creating a balance between freshness and warmth.
• Almond-cedar accord: Almond and cedar combine to create a warm, woody accord. The woody, resinous notes of cedar blend with the soft, velvety nuances of almond, creating an olfactory composition that is both sensual and enveloping.
INTERESTING FACT!
Almonds are a versatile and beneficial ingredient widely used in a variety of fields. In the kitchen, almonds are appreciated for their rich flavor and crunchy texture, used in snacks, pastries, 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 fragrances and body care products. Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, almonds are also good for your body, strengthening bones, supporting the immune system and helping to prevent chronic disease!
Some popular almond perfumes…
Several renowned brands incorporate the delicate essence of almonds into their perfumes, exemplified by esteemed fragrances like Girl of Now by Elie Saab, Lost Cherry by Tom Ford, Good Girl by Carolina Herrera, Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, and Pure Gold Euphoria Women by Calvin Klein.
For those who want to explore almond-based fragrances, there are several popular choices on the market:
• Mandorlo di Sicilia Eau de Parfum by Acqua di Parma, launched in 1999, is a perfume for men and women that combines notes of almond, orange, bergamot and vanilla.
• Infusion d’Amande by Prada skilfully blends the familiar almond with intense tonka bean, offering a fragrance that is both old-fashioned and modern. Top notes reveal sweet almond, while base notes persist with captivating tonka bean. This perfume is a harmonious blend that seduces with its gourmand sweetness and sensual depth.
• La brume L'Amande by L'Occitane is also a popular choice for its fresh and floral perfume, with bergamot, freesia and musk notes. Finally, it’s important to note that almond is also used in men’s perfumes.
• La Petite Robe Noire by Guerlain is an iconic eau de parfum spray that highlights the almond note with a modern, bold touch. In this fragrance for women, bitter almond is sublimated by notes of black cherry, licorice and vanilla, creating an irresistible combination of sweetness and sensuality.
• Amande Absolue by l'Artisan Parfumeur is an eau de toilette for men that delicately captures the purity and richness of almond. This fragrance envelops the senses with a soft, creamy almond note, evoking the image of a delicious gourmet dessert. The almond is sublimated by accords of vanilla and tonka, adding sensual warmth and delicious depth to the fragrance..
Almond X Bon Parfumeur
Bon Parfumeur is a French company offering a wide range of fragranced products that are 100% made in France. We have a few almond-based products designed just for you! You'll find…
• Eau de parfum 402 with vanilla, caramel and sandalwood. A millefeuille of vanilla, caramel and wood. Almond blossom enhances vanilla and caramel with its powdery, floral facets. Soft, milky sandalwood warms the fragrance. A terribly addictive fragrance on the skin.
• Eau de parfum 901 with nutmeg, almond and patchouli. A shot of energy and spice. In this perfume, ginger awakens the first fresh notes of grapefruit. Nutmeg and black pepper add spice, while almond reveals its sweetness, opening the transition to smooth vanilla facets. Patchouli and musk leave a sensual scent on the skin.
Now that you have learned all you need to know about almonds in perfumery, feel free to visit our website or come and see us in store!
