Rhubarb Rhapsody: More Than just A Vegetable

All About Rhubarb Rhapsody

What comes to your mind when you think of rhubarb? You would think of rhubarb pie, crumble or jam, or even the beloved English rhubarb and custard sweets, right? Be honest with us. However, Rhubarb is actually an ingredient that is quite underrated in the perfumery world.

Aside from its fame in the culinary world, not only does Rhubarb look visually appealing, attracting admirers with its lush pink, red, and green, fleshy stalks,  olfactively, it also reveals a multi-faceted, amiable, and light scent, that is simply irresistible to all!

A fresh, acidic, crisp, earthy, sharp, fruity, sour, sweet scent, that adds a unique invigorating green tingle, and a mouth-watering punch and becomes velvety smooth when added to your fragrance composition. From “Electric Rhubarb” by Floral Street, to “La Tulipe” by Byredo, to “Eau de Rhubarbe Ecarlate” by Hermes; this ingredient is the talk of the town! So don’t waste any more time, and come to our Maison 21G stores to create your custom perfume in Singapore, or even online!

A Little History

Native to central Asia, and travelling as far back as 5,000 years, Rhubarb had been fondly used in Russia and China for its medicinal properties, such as, as a laxative, in which the dried roots are used. For western civilisation, the first documented uses do fall back 2,100 years ago, when the Arabs, Greeks and Romans, similarly exploited the roots for their medicinal purposes.

However, it is believed by many, that the true unveiling of Rhubarb, did not come until 1271, when Marco Polo discovered this ingredient during his travels on the Silk Road in China, bringing it back to Europe. Even at this time, the plant’s stellar potential for its use in the world of fragrance and perfume was yet again not recognised, and instead, Rhubarb continued to be used as a medicine.

No record of the use of rhubarb in the culinary sphere was recorded until the 1800s, yet from then on, it was discovered for its delectable flavouring. By the early 19^th century, specifically in Britain, they were popularly used in desserts and even wine making!

Along with this, the harvesting of rhubarb, where it was grown in greenhouses, dark cellars, or even in the outdoors, was at its peak. This skyrocketed its popularity which spurred in further consumption. Now Britain and the US were seen as the ingredient’s biggest admirers, along with Australia and New Zealand.

Rhubarb still remains a favourite ingredient to find in the fruit and vegetable aisles of your supermarket. Yet what could be better, then to translate the flavouring of this intriguing plant, into a fragrance that you can indulge yourself in.

Rhubarb at Maison 21G

Falling into the same category as most fruits and vegetables, the scent of rhubarb is nearly impossible to be extracted naturally, and thus perfumers often prefer to use synthetic ingredients to create the natural notes of Rhubarb. The library of synthetics for this ingredient includes, ‘Styrallyl Acetate’, ‘Rhubarb Oxirane’ and ‘Rhubarb Pyran’, as well as the popular molecule created by the fragrance house Firmenich, ‘Rhubofix’.

Alternatively, perfumers also often simply reconstruct the smell with ready-made compositions. For this, the most commonly used recipe includes, the synthetic, “Styralyl Acetate”, in combination with the LMR, Turkish Rose Oil, along with Grapefruit Oil.

At Maison 21G, our unique rhubarb elixir has many facets of modern greens, fresh florals, and juicy crisp notes. You can find nuances of sweet green apple, transparent wood, crispy hazelnut, and even accords of Cannabis. With such a bouquet of ingredients all in one, how could you resist the temptation of wearing our RHUBARB RHAPSODY perfume!

Our Recommended Mixes

If you’re seeking an uplifting, jovial, and vibrant fragrance, then the mix of RHUBARB RHAPSODY and the scent of RASPBERRY REDEMPTION is what you need. A fragrance that radiates positivity and is perfect for our ladies to wear during the day. Sparkling, with hints of the energising citrus, and bittersweet freshness of our favourite Rhubarb; it is wrapped in the juicy burst of the flirty red berries!  

For a more natural composition, one that will allow you to stand out as an individual, preserving and evoking feelings of nature: would be RHUBARB RHAPSODY with our ROSE RITUAL perfume. An elixir that evokes elegance and beauty. Floral, fresh, juicy, with bitter-sweet accords, this is a fragrance that is truly perfect for the connoisseurs out there!

For a seductive mix, try RHUBARB RHAPSODY and our HAVANA HARVEST fragrance. Addictively spicy and smoky, with a fresh, sharp note to tease and captivate. We pre-warn you, these two ingredients really are partners in crime, so be prepared for the power they bring together!

Related articles

• What To Eat To Smell Good
• Be Enchanted By Myrrh's Magnetic Spell
• The Essence Of Desire