Fenugreek Absolute — Trigonella foenum-graecum | H Reynaud Fils, France

Part of our Professional Perfumers Range — curated for the discerning natural perfumer seeking exceptional depth and rarity.

Fenugreek Absolute — The Perfumer's Gourmand Secret

Fenugreek is one of the oldest cultivated plants known to humanity — grown for thousands of years across India, China, and the Mediterranean for culinary, medicinal, and aromatic purposes. Its absolute, solvent extracted by H Reynaud Fils, established 1898, from the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum cultivated in Egypt, is one of the most distinctive and unusual materials in the gourmand perfumer's palette — dark reddish-brown, deeply aromatic, and possessed of a character that is simultaneously spicy, nutty, hay-like, and sweetly balsamic in a combination that few other naturals approach.

This is not a material for aromatherapy. It is a perfumery ingredient of real specificity and considerable depth — one of those materials that experienced perfumers seek out precisely because its character is so difficult to replicate from any other source.

Scent Profile

The opening is bold and immediately distinctive — a rich, slightly garlicky warmth combined with a characteristic maple syrup sweetness and a spicy, curry-like depth that speaks immediately of the fenugreek seed. As it develops, celery seed and hay-like facets emerge alongside a warm, slightly animalic balsamic undertone that adds complexity and depth. The drydown is long and tenacious — a warm, nutty-sweet base note of considerable staying power that anchors gourmand and oriental compositions with unusual authority.

Perfumery Applications

Fenugreek absolute is primarily a gourmand and oriental material — at its finest adding depth, warmth, and unusual character to compositions that seek to evoke exotic spice, sweet hay, or the rich complexity of a traditional Indian or Middle Eastern accord. In gourmand compositions it adds a sophisticated spicy sweetness; in orientals it provides a warm, animalic base note of real distinction; in tobacco and leather accords its slightly animalic depth adds a compelling dimension.

Use with restraint — this is a potent material whose character is assertive at full strength and reveals its beauty at working dilutions. Not recommended for aromatherapy use.

Blending Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with vanilla, tonka bean, tobacco absolute, labdanum, benzoin, sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, clary sage, costus, ambrette seed, oud, and spice materials including black pepper, cardamom, and cumin.

Technical Details

• Botanical Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum L.
• Common Name: Fenugreek
• Botanical Family: Fabaceae
• Supplier: H Reynaud Fils, established 1898, France
• CAS Number: 84625-40-1
• EINECS Number: 283-415-1
• Origin: Egypt
• Plant Part: Seeds
• Extraction Method: Solvent extraction (absolute)
• Classification: Base note
• Appearance: Mobile liquid — supplied in DPG carrier for ease of handling, standard industry practice
• Odour Family: Gourmand / Spicy / Hay / Nutty / Balsamic
• Natural: Yes — 100% pure natural absolute
• Note: For perfumery use only — not suitable for aromatherapy

Packaging

1ml sample supplied in a 5ml clear flint glass bottle. 5ml and 10ml supplied in amber glass bottles — all with inbuilt droppers and tamper evident caps.

Safety Information

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas. Not suitable for use on babies, children, pets or broken skin. Avoid use during pregnancy or whilst nursing. Always dilute properly and perform a patch test before first use.

Sample Policy

We recommend purchasing a 1ml sample first before committing to larger quantities. Please note that no refunds can be offered on opened items.

Photo images are for illustrative purposes only.