Essential Oil Extraction Methods Flashcards

Which extraction method uses steam to release volatile compounds from plant material?

Answer: Steam distillation

Steam distillation passes steam through plant material, causing volatile compounds to vaporize and then condense into essential oil and hydrosol.

What water-based byproduct is produced alongside essential oil during steam distillation?

Answer: Hydrosol (floral water)

Hydrosol (floral water) is the aqueous byproduct containing trace aromatic compounds that separates from the essential oil after distillation.

Which extraction method is primarily used for producing citrus essential oils such as lemon and sweet orange?

Answer: Cold pressing (expression)

Cold pressing (expression) mechanically presses the rind of citrus fruits to release the essential oil, preserving the fresh aroma without heat.

What is an 'absolute' in aromatherapy production?

Answer: A highly concentrated aromatic extract obtained using chemical solvents

An absolute is a highly concentrated aromatic extract produced through solvent extraction, commonly used for delicate flowers like jasmine and rose.

Which extraction method is considered to best preserve the complete natural chemical profile of the plant due to low operating temperatures?

Answer: Supercritical CO2 extraction

Supercritical CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide at controlled pressure and temperature, producing an extract that closely mirrors the plant's original chemistry without heat degradation.

What is the primary purpose of the traditional extraction technique known as 'enfleurage'?

Answer: Capturing fragrance from delicate flowers that cannot withstand heat

Enfleurage uses fat to absorb fragrance from delicate flowers like jasmine and tuberose, which would be destroyed by the heat of distillation.

Which part of the lavender plant is most commonly used as the source material in steam distillation?

Answer: Flowering tops

Lavender essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops of the Lavandula plant, where the highest concentration of aromatic compounds is found.