{"id":4599,"date":"2025-03-20T17:45:30","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T16:45:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aromawise.nl\/?p=4599"},"modified":"2025-09-10T11:41:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T09:41:49","slug":"destilleren-in-de-koperen-ketel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aromawise.nl\/en\/nieuws\/destilleren-in-de-koperen-ketel\/","title":{"rendered":"Distilling in the copper kettle"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Destilleren<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The essence of Silver Fir - Distilling in the copper kettle<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huis te Vraag - a hidden gem in Amsterdam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hidden just outside the hustle and bustle of the city is a special place: Huis te Vraag<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Destilleren<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Korean Silver Fir \u2013 a tree full of symbolism<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> mijn artikel wat ik er over heb geschreven. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Destilleren<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Distilling in the copper still \u2013 The essence of Silver Fir<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a while, the first droplet appeared \u2013 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.
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Essential oil \u2013 the precious gold<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hydrolaat <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPurity and strength \u2013 courage to move forward\u201d were the words that seemed to fill the space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silver Fir Essential Oil \u2013 the power of Mother Nature\u2019s fragrance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for using silver fir essential oil<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n