The methods utilized in obtaining the essential oil from plants are based on the kind of end product that is preferred and on the material of the plant.
It contains such contents and aromas which makes them a unique ingredient. There are various methods of extraction through which essential oils are obtained and they include:-
Distillation
The first method of obtaining essential oil is distillation. Firstly, all the essential oils are distilled. The plant material is kept into an alembic in which the steam is created. The heat that is formed through the steam generates drops of oil in the plant to break and then allow the oil to evaporate.
Then the steam and the vapors are observed on a water cooled pipe and then, again it is converted into liquids. Then the essential oil is alienated from the water and it floats on the water.
Steam Distillation
In this, steam distillation makes use of an external resource for accumulation of steam which transmits the steam into the refining unit at high pressure. Then the steam is carried through the perfumed material and goes out into the condenser.
Hydrodistillation
In this step, the botanicals are completely flooded in the water and create a broth. This is the most olden process of distillation and is considered to be the most unstable. This procedure is most commonly utilized in prehistoric countries.
This method also contains some dangers like the still can be overheated, can be made dry and the perfumes are allowed to burned which leads to EO along with overcooked smell. This method is excellent for powders and is very hard materials such as wood, roots and nuts.
Water and Steam Distillation
This type of distillation has a resemblance like a kitchen steamer basket. In this, botanicals are placed in the basket on the top of the boiling water thereby putting the plant material by creating steam vapors. This is an excellent process for refining leafy materials.
Solvent Extraction
When some of the aromatics like Linden Blossom and Jasmine do not carry on the method of distillation, then this process is utilized to detain their mysterious fragrances. The flowers are cleaned constantly using a solvent. The solvent melts the entire extractable material from the plant which involves non-perfumed pigments and waxes and extremely volatile perfumed molecules. Then the solution involving dissolvable plant material and solvent is filtered at low pressure. Then further processing is being done to extract the pure essential oil.
Carbon Dioxide Extraction
When carbon dioxide is focused to high pressure, then this gas gets converted into liquid. Then this liquid carbon dioxide is utilized as a safe, inert and liquid solvent.
It obtains the perfumed molecules without leaving any residue. At normal temperature, it again converts into a gas and disappears.
Cold Pressing
This method is utilized to obtain the essential oils from the rinds of citrus fruits like lemon, orange, bergamot and grapefruit. The rinds from the fruit are alienated and then they are pressed and outcomes into an essential oil.
Posted in: Essential oils