These starts are carefully nurtured until they are large enough to harden off and plant in the fields, where they are tended diligently until ready for harvest. And instead of harsh chemical herbicides, a natural blend of essential oils, including pine, cinnamon, and oregano are used to protect the plants. Herds of bearded miniature goats can be seen roaming the fields, grazing on the tender weeds, but leaving the herbs intact. As the time for harvest approaches, the plants are carefully monitored and checked several times a day to determine when the plant is at its peak for harvesting. Because to get the highest quality essential oils, the fields must be harvested at precisely the correct time of year and even the proper time of day.
Nothing is left to chance.
The quality and efficacy of the oils is ensured by factoring in a percentage of the plants in bloom, the amount of dew on the leaves, and even the amount of rainfall immediately before the harvest. All these can have a direct impact on essential oil quality. Once harvested, the plants are quickly taken to the distillers, located right there on the farm, and the distillation process is started. Distillation is both an art and a science. Gary has studied this science in France, Turkey and Egypt for over 15 years.