discovering the valley of roses

In Bulgaria, every year, the Valley of Roses yields a treasure: rose buds that are used to make one of the most expensive oils in the world. The harvest, which requires great care, is impossible to mechanize. On each plot, dozens of seasonal workers work for several weeks. A picker can collect between 35 kg and 40 kg of petals per day.

The climate, cool at night and warm during the day, is perfect for watching the Damask roses bloom. The rose then produces a precious oil, used in many high-end cosmetics and perfumes. The rose must then be distilled and the bags of petals brought to one of the family businesses in the region. To make a liter of rose oil, 2 to 3.5 tons of petals are needed. Producers are becoming fewer and fewer, because they sell their petals at low prices.