It is imperative to buy oils with single drop dispensers so that the oil can be dispensed accurately. New Zealand growers and suppliers of Lavender Oil must keep on their toes and produce oil to the standards required. The New Zealand Lavender Oil Producers Association is currently developing Good Production protocols and standards for New Zealand oils. This attention to quality is very important if New Zealand lavender oil is to develop its reputation as a unique source of highest quality oils. This is difficult or sometimes impossible to detect, hence the need to buy from a reputable company which can specify the source and qualities of the oil.
Oil is extracted from the lavender flower heads.
Harvesting and oil distillation is carried out during the summer months from December through to February. The flower heads are put into a stainless steel or copper cartridge and placed into a steam pot, which has steam forced through it. During this time a small sample of oil is drawn off to test. New Zealand growers are unable to compete on price with the large producers in Europe and China. Just as with wine, they are concentrating on producing for a niche market which appreciates finest quality and the green, clean environment of New Zealand.