Hydrosols

BOTTLES, SALES, AND HOME STORAGE-HYDROSOLS

The desired parameters for the bottling, sales, and home storage of hydrosols include-
Minimal handling and smelling of product prior to filling - only sterilized packaging components - Proper labelling - No added preservatives - Storage after packaging - Shelf life and marketing

MINIMAL HANDLING AND SMELLING OF PRODUCT PRIOR TO PACKAGING
It's difficult. A big jug of your favourite water or, even worse, a new one youv'e never smelled before arrives at the door. All you want to do is take off the lid and smell it. I used to do it all the time, and I watch every buyer of hydrosol do the same. Scents are addictive. However, smelling directly from the container risks contaminating the whole shipment. it is preferable to decant a small amount into a clean glass to judge flavor, aroma, color, and clarity and to reseal the larger container immediately. 

Try using a wine glass, then get your nose in it. Use a teaspoon and taste it straight. Hold it up to a light and see if there is a tint of color or faint milkiness. Look for suspended particulate matter or anything unusual. There are a host of qualities to appreciate, and you will soon learn to read the signs  and understand what they mean. After you have examined the pure hydrosol, add a little to a glass of water and taste it again. It is always astounding just how strong pure hydrosols can be and how soft they become when diluted in water.

If you intend to resell your hydrosols, it is worth providing testers. People don't know the waters  like they know the oils and will often buy something only if they have a chance to smell or taste it. Testers should have a screw-cap lids so the nose test can be undertaken, and they should be replaced with fresh hydrosol every few weeks or more frequently if heavily used . Although they will last longer if kept cold, I often leave my testers at room temperature so the full aromatic qualities can be appreciated. Cold, their aroma is weaker, and people find it much harder to appreciate their differences.

Reference: Hydrosols; The Next Aromatherapy: Suzanne Catty