Visit to Sa Clova lavender farm Son Carrio.

ESRA members were recently invited to a farm in Son Carrio Mallorca where Josie and Mark Cleaver farm lavender and then extract the oil. Although only open to the public very occasionally, it was a very interesting and instructive visit, enjoyed by all, with tea, coffee and a large variety of delicious cakes also provided.

Although still on a relatively small scale at the moment, having about 7000 plants, they are expanding with new plants being planted all the time.

Apparently the normal lavender plant grown in Mallorca in many gardens is not suitable for commercial use as the yield is too low and the fragrance not that good. Hybrid varieties have been developed, used on this farm, which have five times the Lavender oil yield and a much more satisfying fragrance.

The plants take about two years from planting before the flowers from which the oil is extracted, are ready for picking. These flowers are harvested once a year, although much hard work is involved all year round in looking after the plants and keeping them weed free. Fortunately lavender plants actually prefer a stony, free draining soil and little watering.

Once the flowers are ready for harvesting, they are placed in a large copper still and steam is passed through the flowers which extracts the lavender oil.  This steam mixed with lavender oil is then condensed back to water in a water cooled condenser and the lavender oil is then separated from this water as it forms a layer on the top of the water after standing for a while.

We were shown various products made at the farm from the lavender oil, such as soaps, candles and sprays “Eau De Lavender” as well as bottles of the concentrated lavender oil, which are sold at various local markets: Arta on a Tuesday, Sineu on a Wednesday and Son Servera on a Friday.

All the visitors appreciated seeing how it is all done and the gorgeously fragrant products!