Galbanum

Galbanum, which is an aromatic gum resin, is obtained from perennial herbaceous plants, the two most common types of which are “Ferula gummosa” and “Ferula galbaniflua”.

Its use dates back to the B.C., but nowadays, in the modern world, it continues to be widely used in various industries such as perfumery, pharmaceutical industry, adhesive, …

Ferula gummosa is a plant that grows naturally in dry mountain areas. It’s the only true source of soft galbanum. The plant starts from seed and develops a long root and leaves that look like dill, which dry out in late spring. Each year, it grows back, but it’s until the third year that a small lump appears near the root; that’s where the gum forms.

From the third to the seventh year, harvesters use a sickle to gently cut into the lump. A pale resin slowly oozes and hardens when it touches air. After a few days, they collect the gum and make a few more cuts to get more over time.