The Damascena Rose is one of the specific crop of the magnificent Valley of Dades. The Damask rose of Morocco, is delicate and exceptional. it offers a subtle and sophisticated smell. Its flavor is pure, fascinating and mesmerizing. Beyond its flavor, it is also its great virtues that make its success: soothing, toning and astringent.
The May Rose is cultivated in the Tiddas region in Morocco, where several hectares are dedicated to its production. Its name refers to the very large number of petals that make up the flower. The plant appears as a drooping shrub, reaching 1.5-2 m in height. French Riviera perfumers very early understood the rich aromatic potential of this variety of rose, which remains a model in terms of perfume. The May Rose is planted in cool soil in December-January, and begins to produce the following year. The feet are then pruned to give them a hoop shape. The flowers are collected in an apron specially intended for this use, from 2/3 hours in the morning, and possibly also in the evening.
Rose oil and rose water are made from the original Persian rose cultivated a century ago. Rose Water and rose oil are essential components of Moroccan womens’ beauty. They use it since the dawn of time for its cosmetic virtues: moisturizing, softening and regenerating. And for its high vibration - the positive impact of a particular element on human body and soul.
Rose water/oil in Morocco is the oldest beauty secret that works like a dream. Rose extracts are used everyday to refresh face and body.
FACE - Being nature’s astringent, it decreases damage to the skin’s elastin fibers and helps to reduce and delay wrinkle formation. It is is versatile and allegedly adds a pinkier hue to the lips as well as protects them against sun exposure. Rosewater also serves as a gentle makeup remover.
BODY It is used after hammam or after waxing to calm the skin.Also amazing as a natural skin toner.
Every spring, at the base of the Atlas Mountains, women get up before dawn to pick countless pink roses by hand. They work quickly to avoid the sun so that the roses stay fresh and fragrant. This place is called El Kellat des M’gouna, The Valley of Roses, and the Persian and Damask roses that the women harvest are used to make essential oil and rose water.
Each May, Morocco celebrates its roses with a grand festival. In the village of El Kellat des M’gouna, a small town in the foothills of the High Atlas, surrounded by lawns of Persian rose bushes, which make it the rose capital of the world and form the majority of its economy.