Iris butter
Origin: Diverse

• Details and product description

  Introduction:

  The Greek roots of the word “iris” come from rainbow, and also messenger. Moreover, it refers to a luminous halo that forms around a source of light. The Robertet Group offers three iris of different origins:   - Iris from Italy – Florentine Iris (Pallida): light blue flowers          - Iris from China – Iris Pallida: light blue flowers     - Iris from Morocco – Iris Germanica: lavender-blue flowers, straight stems.      Two varieties of iris are widely used. In general, the Pallidas (Florentine for Italy and Pallida for China) are used for the most part in perfumery. They contain more myristic acid and irones and have this agreeable powdery characteristic.            The Germanica or German iris is more chocolate-like and is frequently found in food flavorings.      Aspect: Perennial herbaceous plant with rhizome, reaching from 60 to 110 cm. The flower stalk has five to nine pale mauve to whitish flowers. The rhizome grows horizontally, with a white interior and an exterior varying from green to gray.    

  History:

  Myths and Legends: Iris gets its name from Greek mythology: Iris, who had brilliant colored wings, served Zeus carrying messages from the gods to men. She left a rainbow in her wake, which was thought to be the connection between Olympus and the Earth. Cultural Significance: In Japan, the iris is the national symbol of blossoming, resurrection and hope. In the language of flowers, the iris brings good news.      In Iran, white iris are planted on graves and in funeral gardens. History: Very often in Mediterranean regions, where it has become part of the natural landscape, iris grow on old walls, embankments and in rock gardens. Iris cultivation is ancient and is now practiced throughout the world.        The first representation of the iris is found in 1510 BC in Egypt, or perhaps even earlier in Crete frescos displayed in the Museum of Heraklion. Mosaics containing this flower are found in the mausoleum of the Taj Mahal. More recently, artists in the twenties, were very often inspired by the flower when creating decorative motifs. Iris was mixed with myrrh, saffron, and cinnamon. In Egypt, the flower is associated with the gods Osiris and Horus. An iris, carved on the front of statues of the Egyptian Sphinx, represents Horus.   In Greece, it is found in Elis and Corinth. Iris is an ingredient in many medications for snake bite, stomach aches, intestinal pain, coughs or dropsy (edema). The Arabs brought the iris to Moorish Spain. A short time later, Charlemagne encouraged its cultivation in monasteries.   At the beginning of the sixteenth century, Florence and Verona, Italy became large production centers. It seems that the fashionable use of the iris as a perfume was started by Catherine of Medici.    In the seventeenth century, the powder was used on hair: the rhizome was crushed; then sifted, producing a powder that had a strong violet fragrance. Madame de Rambouillet, a native of Florence, had the roots ground in her pantry and put in fabric packets that she kept with her linen to permeate it with a violet fragrance.     Fleur de lys: The yellow iris became the emblem of the monarchy after the victory of Clovis king of the Franks (451-511) over the Visigoths, after which he substituted iris for the three toads on his banner. The transformation to a stylized fleur de lys only occurred in 1147 during the Second Crusade. This was not the traditional European iris but a wild iris (Iris pseudoacorus) which was used as an emblem of the monarchy. During a battle, the royal army, led by Louis VII, the Younger, had to cross a deep river. The presence of the marsh iris pointed out a life-saving ford across the river, which, in recognition was called the “Fleur de Louis” (Flower of Louis) which later became the Fleur de lys.  

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