In July we spent some time with the distiller who produces the lavender oil we have at Kiosk. They are a small  family operation but even so they process approximately a ton of lavender a year. The lavender comes from their own fields and three other farmers, one of which we get our lavender oil from. The process is fairly simple although not what I expected. The flowers and stem are put into what is essentially a gigantic steamer, the vapor is then trapped and sent through the distilling process, the oil in the vapor being separated along the way. The plant remains post-steaming are put into the fire which heats the entire operation. The whole place smells like a odd cross between baked goods and massive quantities of lavender. Walking away we were coated in the odor. Henri inherited the distillery from his father-in-law, he has passed it onto his son-in-law but still directs all the action. His granddaughter is working away at the counter. It is of course all very charming and lovely but being they are small producers also means they are in dire straits. It was great visiting and telling them how much people really appreciate their product at Kiosk. It made them super happy to hear their product is loved. here are some photos of the process and Henri with Marco.