Musk seeds are considered an excellent botanical replacement for Deer Musk, Moscus moschiferus. Musk Ambrette seeds are the secret ingredient in traditional Egyptian musks, such as Egyptian red musk. So, if you ever wondered how the Egyptians created this classic aroma with only botanical ingredients, you now know.
A tincture with 95% alcohol will extract the aroma. If you attempt to extract this material directly in oil, you run the risk of extracting the fixed oils contained in the seeds, which will go rancid eventually. Once you create a tincture of the seeds, you can transfer the aroma to an oil of your choice. This will give you a long-lasting botanical musk.
Musk Ambrette seeds act as a fixitive in aromatic compositions in much the same way as the animalics.
Some of you are itching to ask whether these seeds are viable, and can I plant them? Well, as far as I know, they are viable, and since Musk Mallow is on the CITES list of threatened plants, growing our own is an excellent and sustainable alternative.
Have fun exploring the many facets and applications of this classic ingredient.
Dan
Materials: Musk Seeds, Musk Ambrette Seeds, Musk Mallow Seeds, Rose Mallow Seeds.