Monoi de Tahiti is a luxurious and exquisite butter that originates from Tahiti. It is a blend of premium coconut oil and organically grown Gardenia taitensis flowers, which are famously known as Tiaré flowers in the region. The flowers are macerated and soaked in virgin coconut oil that is also organically grown and produced in Tahiti. This process gives rise to a sweet-scented butter that is divinely fragranced with the succulent aroma of gardenia flowers.
It is worth noting that Monoi de Tahiti has a very specific production method that must be followed to the letter. This butter must be made on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia and under a French government decree. The production process involves a maceration technique that uses no less than 10 and up to 14 French Polynesian Tiaré flowers per liter of virgin Polynesian coconut oil. Additionally, the enfleurage process must have soaked for a minimum of 10 days to extract the Tiaré flower aromatic components.
It is important to distinguish authentic Monoi de Tahiti butter from other products that claim to be the real thing. Many products available online are merely coconut oil melted and mixed with synthetic gardenia fragrance oil. Authentic Monoi de Tahiti butter, on the other hand, is a solid butter that requires melting at 76° F, which is the melting point of extra virgin coconut oil; it is produced exclusively in Tahiti and is all-natural, quite simply an enfleurage of the flowers into virgin unrefined coconut oil.
Monoi de Tahiti shares similar skincare benefits as regular virgin coconut oil. It is an excellent moisturizer, especially for dry skin and rough patches. It is also great for hair care, delivering a soft, creamy texture. The Tiaré flowers, through enfleurage extraction, add an exquisite aromatic dimension that enhances any formula it touches with a sweet, creamy, and delicious white floral accord reminiscent of a fresh, tropical breeze.