Our Experience at the Essences Naturelles Corses Distillery in Corsica

During our last vacation in Corsica, we decided to immerse ourselves in the local tradition by visiting some essential oil distilleries. Corsica, with over 20 distillers and producers on a modestly sized island, offers an extraordinary landscape for enthusiasts of aromatherapy and natural products. Our first stop was at Essences Naturelles Corses, located in the beautiful Costa Verde region.

A Journey into History and Tradition

The history of the company dates back to 1962 when the von Keyserlingk family moved from Germany to Corsica, settling on the Bordeo farm. Initially dedicated to artichoke farming and egg sales, the family soon expanded their crops to include clementines, lemons, and kiwis.

The shift towards essential oils came with the second generation of the family. Albrecht Jr., a former psychoanalyst, brought a new vision to the farm, inspired by his mountain hikes and meetings with experts from Grasse, the world capital of perfumes. This passion led to the founding of the distillery in 1993, with the goal of extracting the best from the essences of Corsica.

An Organic and Biodynamic Approach

What makes Essences Naturelles Corses unique is its commitment to organic and biodynamic agriculture, certified by Certisud and Demeter since 1985. The plants used in the distillery come from both the farm's garden and plantations, as well as from the "wild" harvesting of endemic aromatic plants in Corsica.

The company cultivates and processes the plants on the same site, ensuring complete control over the quality of production. The plants are harvested at their peak maturity, distilled fresh, and dried under optimal conditions to preserve all their aromatic properties.

The Magic of Artisanal Distillation

During our visit, we had the opportunity to observe the distillation process up close, which follows artisanal methods dating back to the perfumers of the 19th century. These ancestral techniques allow for the extraction of pure and rich aromas, preserving the natural qualities of the plants without the addition of synthetic products.

We learned that the company works with a variety of plants, including: eucalyptus, Italian helichrysum, inula viscosa, mastic tree, green myrtle, Corsican black pine, and rosemary. The harvesting of these plants is done in collaboration with various partners and follows strict specifications to ensure quality and sustainability.

A Family Legacy

One aspect that deeply impressed us was the dedication of the von Keyserlingk family. Albrecht's five children have always contributed to the farm's activities. Since 2013, Sophia, the youngest daughter, has taken the reins of the company alongside her father, bringing new energy and expanding the range of products beyond just essential oils.

Here is the list of essential oils cultivated and produced in Corsica by Essences Naturelles Corses. The oils marked with a πŸ’– are those that, in our opinion, currently have an extraordinary aromatherapeutic quality.

  • Wild Carrot Daucus carota πŸ’–
  • Kaffir Lime Citrus hystrix (biodynamic agriculture) πŸ’–
  • Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus
  • Geranium Pelargonium graveolens (biodynamic agriculture)
  • Italian Helichrysum Helichrysum italicum (biodynamic agriculture) πŸ’–
  • Inula viscosa Inula graveolens πŸ’–
  • Bay Laurel Laurus nobilis (biodynamic agriculture)
  • Wild Lavender Lavendula Stoechas
  • Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus (biodynamic agriculture)
  • Mastic Tree Pistacia lentiscu πŸ’–
  • Green Myrtle Myrtus communis πŸ’–
  • Common Calamint Calamintha nepeta
  • Petitgrain Mandarin Citrus clementina petit grain πŸ’–
  • Petitgrain Lime Citrus latifolia πŸ’–
  • Corsican Black Pine Pinus nigra laricio
  • Rosemary Verbenone Rosmarinus officinalis verbΓ©none
  • Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia (biodynamic agriculture) πŸ’–
  • Lemon Verbena Lippia citriodora (biodynamic agriculture) πŸ’–

In Conclusion

The visit to Essences Naturelles Corses was a fascinating experience that allowed us to better understand the deep connection between Corsican nature and the family tradition of the company. We were able to appreciate the attention to detail and the passion for excellence that characterize every stage of the essential oil production process. If you find yourself in Corsica, a visit to this distillery is definitely an experience not to be missed for anyone who loves fragrances and natural products.

Finally, a gift for our readers: we are excited to offer an exclusive coupon code JDBshop0024 valid until June 30, 2025, which grants a 10% discount on online purchases through the company's shop.

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