Influence of Medium-term Storage of Cistus Ladanifer L. (Rockrose) on the Productivity of Bio-products Such as Essential Oils

The current increase in demand for essential oils may be associated with storing the harvested product before distilling it. Therefore, it is essential to understand how storage affects oil yield. This study focuses on the valorization of the main bioproduct of Cistus ladanifer L. (rockrose) in the Sierra Norte of Madrid, Spain. Over a period of 18 months, material was collected for fresh and dry processing (after a storage period from 4 to 18 months) to determine the temporary decrease in essential oil yield. The results have provided that good storage conditions are essential for preserving the material without damage from pests or diseases and both storage conditions (fresh and dried) have shown similar production curve. But, once material is stored, even for a short period of time, the losses on essential oil yield was not significantly increased. This preliminary study has shown that storing rockrose for essential oil production could be viable, with the aim of increasing the working season of distillation plants. This could completely change the way this shrub is currently used, in conjunction with other aromatic plants, and also allow the productive period of the distillers to be extended, becoming a potential engine for rural revitalization.