Under the Mediterranean sun, the fig tree
The fig tree, an emblematic tree of the Mediterranean, is an endless source of creation for perfumers. Estéban, captivated by the richness of the fig fragrance and its mysteries, has developed its olfactory signature within three universes: an immersive journey into the heart of the tree in the Classique collection, a tribute to the obviousness of nature in the Jardin d'intérieur collection, and in duality with tonka bean in its contemporary Elessens collection. On the occasion of the launch of Figuier & Tonka - from this 3rd universe - let's look back at the history of this fruit full of secrets...
Fig fragrance: A millennial fascination
This small fleshy pear with an exquisite taste and smell is one of the oldest fruits domesticated by humans. In Roman times, it was considered a gift from Demeter, goddess of crops and the earth. A legend even says that the founders of Rome – Romulus and Remus – were suckled by a she-wolf under a fig tree, which then became a symbol of protection. This marked the beginning of a long fascination, as today there are more than 600 varieties of fig trees worldwide, and the Mediterranean basin holds the record for production.
A mysterious fruit
The fig fruit, with its teardrop shape, silky skin, and delicious flesh, has everything to seduce us... and yet it's not even a fruit! Indeed, the fig is more accurately an inflorescence: a small sac containing thousands of flowers waiting to be fertilized – which cannot happen without external intervention, that of a certain variety of insects (yes, nature is well-made!). These tiny flowers, pollinated by "fig wasps," thus bloom internally, each releasing a fruit containing a single seed (which gives the crunchy part of the pulp). In reality, when we eat a fig, we are eating several small fruits!
In light of these astonishing secrets, the taste and scent of the fig seem all the more delicious... But how can these characteristic aromas be captured? How can one capture the crisp, green note of its leaves, the slight bitterness of its stem, the milky, resinous, and fruity scent of its flesh?
Fig fragrance: Taming the scents
In the world of perfumery, one cannot, strictly speaking, extract the scent of the fig fruit. It takes all the talent of perfumers to recreate the scent of fig from other raw materials. The "fig accord" thus created adds a touch of light and roundness to the perfumes that contain it.
But the fruit is not the only element of the fig tree to produce an exquisite scent: the bark and leaves of the fig tree are just as fragrant and are now also finding their way into our perfumes. This is the case with the fragrance Figue Noire, which explores the fig tree in all its aspects: the sweet pulp of its fruit, the creamy languor of its sap, and the herbaceous freshness of its leaves. A fig treated at 360° for a total immersion in the heart of the tree...
The fig tree invites itself into our homes
The intoxicating notes of the fig tree and its fruit captivated fine perfumery in the 90s, fascinated by its ability to evoke, by its mere presence, all the generosity of the Mediterranean. Initially treated with majesty, the fig gradually surrounded itself with flowers and fruits to more broadly evoke the spirit of Italian gardens. Later, new compositions would combine it with more olfactively distant notes to create contrast and thus restore its vivacity.
At Estéban, the personal fragrance Folie de figue, released in 2006, already passionately embodied the multifaceted dimension of the fig tree. Then, little by little, its captivating scent found its way into our homes thanks to the numerous mediums offered by home fragrance. Available in scented candles, fragrance diffusers, and room sprays, the fig now flourishes in our homes, to the delight of our senses. Whether you like it fruity (as in Figue et bois), aromatic (in Figuier Garrigue) or woody (in Figue Noire), you will undoubtedly find your happiness among our scented creations.
