Definition
A Comorian flower, used in cooking and perfumery.
Details
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) is a yellow-green star-shaped flower. The Comoros is the world's leading producer and supplies around 80% of global ylang-ylang essential oil. That oil, obtained by steam distillation over several hours, goes into the great luxury perfumes (Chanel N°5, Patou's Joy). Fractional distillation yields several oil grades (extra, first, second and third), each with its own olfactory profile. In aromatherapy its relaxing, anti-stress properties are well documented. In traditional Comorian cooking, ylang-ylang flowers perfume wedding rice (pirau) and certain infusions. Growing ylang-ylang is an integral part of the archipelago's agricultural and economic heritage.