Traditional Rosa damascena flower harvesting practices evaluated through GC/MS metabolite profiling of flower volatiles

► Rosa damascena flower volatiles were profiled at different stages of flower development. ► R. damascena flower volatiles were profiled at different time points during the day. ► The performed research supports the traditional oil rose flower harvesting practices. ► Fine tuning of the rose oil composition by precise flower harvesting practices is proposed. ► Method for reduction of the carcinogenic rose oil constituent methyl eugenol is suggested.