The essence of Silver Fir - Distilling in the copper kettle
On a spring day early in the year in Amsterdam surrounded by the greenery of Huis te Vraag, my copper kettle stood shining in the soft light of the spring sun. The scent of Abies Koreana, or Korean silver fir, filled the air as curious visitors slowly gathered around my distilling setup.
It was a day entirely dedicated to an ancient craft: distilling my Christmas tree a silver fir and extracting two products namely spruce essential oil and spruce hydrolate. A craft that I had the pleasure of learning twenty-five years ago from a wise Turkish man. To this day, I continue this tradition and passionately pass on my knowledge.
From harvesting the branches, filling the kettle to the first drops of fragrant liquid, the whole process brought us closer to the essence of nature. Visitors listened in wonder, helped and experienced the power of silver fir as the branches and needles slipped through their fingers and their noses were tickled by a fresh woody smell.
Huis te Vraag - a hidden gem in Amsterdam
Hidden just outside the hustle and bustle of the city is a special place: Huis te Vraag. This former cemetery, located in Amsterdam-Zuid, breathes history and nature. Its name dates back to the fifteenth century. Back then, there was an inn here where travellers could ask for directions to Amsterdam. Later, it became a Protestant cemetery, which remained in use until 1962.
Today, Huis te Vraag is a unique green oasis, where nature and history merge. The narrow sandy paths the ivy-covered headstones and lush greenery make it a place of contemplation and tranquillity. Together with the Garden Women, volunteers ensure that this hidden gem retains its serene character.
This place therefore formed a special backdrop during the distillation of my silver fir. The silence, the sun, the twittering of birds, the gentle rustling of the trees and the smell of fresh needles made the experience extra intense for visitors - a deep connection with nature and its timelessness.
The Korean Silver Fir – a tree full of symbolism
The Abies koreana, or Korean silver fir, is a coniferous tree native to the mountainous regions of South Korea, where it can reach up to sixteen metres in height. This elegant fir is known for its slow, compact growth. In the Netherlands, it usually grows to around three to four metres. Its glossy green needles, silver-grey to white underneath, give it a graceful and refined appearance.
Thanks to its compact growth, strong branches, and needles that do not easily fall, the Korean silver fir is a popular choice for Christmas trees. It also emits a fresh, pine-like scent, making it beloved during the festive season. For our distillation, we harvested the young shoots, which contain the most concentrated fragrance. Curious why plants, trees, and herbs have scent? Read my article on this here mijn artikel wat ik er over heb geschreven.
Distilling in the copper still – The essence of Silver Fir
Distilling plant material is a fascinating process where water, fire, and plants work together. It is an alchemical process in which aromatic plants release their essence.
The basket of my copper still was filled with freshly picked branches and twigs, while the pot was three-quarters filled with water. The heat gently brought the water just above the boiling point, producing steam. This rising steam swirled through the basket of fir twigs, carrying the fragrant molecules upward. Slowly and patiently, the steam was cooled at the top so that it condensed back into liquid, flowing down through a narrow pipe and cooling further.
After a while, the first droplet appeared – the moment when the essence of the silver fir becomes visible and perceptible. The milky liquid that forms is two beautiful products: essential oil and hydrosol.
Essential oil – the precious gold A concentrated, powerful oil with a fresh, woodland aroma rises to the surface like a golden ring. These are the aromatic molecules that are insoluble in water. This oil is so potent that it should never be applied directly to the skin, as it can cause allergic reactions.
Hydrolaat This is the aromatic water produced alongside the oil. Softer and less concentrated, it can be used directly. The hydrosol contains the aromatic molecules that are water-soluble.
Visitors watched fascinated as the golden droplets separated from the water and floated on top in a delicate layer. The scent that filled the air was intense and pure: a woodland aroma with woody undertones and a fresh hint of citrus.
“Purity and strength – courage to move forward” were the words that seemed to fill the space.
Silver Fir Essential Oil – the power of Mother Nature’s fragrance
The essential oil of Abies koreana is a true delight for body, mind, and soul. For centuries, it has been used to open the airways, relax muscles, and create a sense of clarity and strength.
Tips for using silver fir essential oil
- For the respiratory system Add 5 drops to your aroma diffuser. It can relieve cold symptoms, open the airways, and help dissolve mucus.
- For blocked sinuses Add 3 drops to a steam inhalation to purify and open your sinuses.
- For muscles and joints Make a massage oil by mixing 20–30 drops with 50 ml almond oil. Helps relieve muscle pain, rheumatic discomfort, and promotes relaxation.
- For the mind Refresh your mind with a single drop on a natural stone placed on your desk – it improves focus and energy.
- For vitality and energy Create a foot bath by mixing 3–5 drops of essential oil with a handful of sea salt and combine with water. Immerse your feet for at least ten minutes to feel relaxation, renewed energy, and calm.
Silver Fir Hydrosol – gentle woodland strength
Alongside the essential oil, we also have the fir hydrosol – subtly scented water that can be used directly.
Tips for use – as a spray
- For your skin: Softens and cools, perfect as a natural aftershave or facial spray. Use caution on sensitive skin.
- For your hair: A gentle toner that adds shine.
For your home: A delightful woodland scent as a natural room or linen spray. - For your mood: Spray on your scarf, wrists, or around you to bring calm, release tension, and create clarity.
- For your aura: Spray around yourself for protection, purification, and strength.
Curious about other ways to use hydrosols? Read my article here for inspiration
An unforgettable day connecting with nature
As the sun slowly set behind the trees and the last drops fell from the distillation apparatus,g the fresh, woody scent of silver fir still lingered in the air. At the end of this special day, each visitor received a small spray bottle of silver fir hydrosol – a tangible reminder of the day, the process, and the reconnection with nature.
Distilling is more than a craft; it is an encounter with the essence of nature. It requires patience, attention, and respect – to listen to the rhythm of the plant, to the language of scent and time. Every droplet, every spray carries the story and soul of the silver fir. Each breath takes you back to the experience of its narrative.
"Smelling a fragrance is a soul-to-soul connection. With an open heart, we may receive the scent and listen to its 'story' to discover what it has to offer." With love, Joanne
Participant feedback
“What a craft, what an extraordinary process – I never knew how scents were extracted from plants.”
“You made the day so enjoyable, with respect for everyone and nature. So fun, educational, and what a professional you are”
“A wonderful day with a beautiful, loving explanation for everyone. A truly special experience.”
Workshop: distil your own plants
Would you like to organise a destillatie dag with colleagues, friends, family, or another group? Call or email me. I share this knowledge with love and would be delighted to bring my copper still to you.. With love Joanne
