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Blue Gold
During
the 1800's, wild lavender thrived in the high lands of Provence. During
the same period, great growth in the perfume industry stimulated significant
demand for aromatic plants.
Up until that time, spike lavender and fine lavender had always been gathered
by shepherds and farm families looking for a way to supplement their low
incomes. With the increased interest from the perfume industry, however,
lavender gathering was to become more widespread and organised. The village
youth and all those not already active in the fields, including women
and children, were enlisted to help. Crews were formed and were paid by
volume or by the day.
In the wild lavender stands, a good cutter could harvest up to a hundred
kilos per day.
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