A worker gathers roses early in the morning near the Bulgarian village of Gorna Mahala. Bulgaria's rose oil distilleries expect a record production of the precious ingredient for the world's highest-grade perfume this season. Some 36,000 farmers in this area in central Bulgaria are involved in the labor intensive business. It takes approximately 4,000 kilograms (8,800 pounds) of rose petals to produce one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of pure rose oil. Bulgarian rose oil is traditionally used for the highest-grade perfume in the world. The main buyers are France, the United States, Germany and Japan.
A worker gathers roses early in the morning near the Bulgarian village of Gorna Mahala. Bulgaria's rose oil distilleries expect a record production of the precious ingredient for the world's highest-grade perfume this season. Some 36,000 farmers in this area in central Bulgaria are involved in the labor intensive business. It takes approximately 4,000 kilograms (8,800 pounds) of rose petals to produce one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of pure rose oil. Bulgarian rose oil is traditionally used for the highest-grade perfume in the world. The main buyers are France, the United States, Germany and Japan.
(AP Photo/Petar Petrov)