The specific part of the plant used—whether it is the leaf, bark, resin, or flower—profoundly alters the oil's profile. This creates a waxy mass known as a concrete.
How Essential Oils Are Made: From Plant to Pure Oil
Furthermore, the geographic origin, or terroir, plays a critical role. The rinds are physically pressed to rupture the oil glands, releasing the fragrant juice which is then separated from the liquid portion.
The steam vaporizes the volatile aromatic compounds, and the resulting vapor mixture is then condensed back into a liquid. The lightweight essential oil floats to the top, while the hydrosol, or floral water, remains below.
How Essential Oils Are Made: From Plant to Pure Oil
The pressure is then reduced, allowing the CO2 to evaporate, leaving behind a pure, high-quality oil that is often more expensive but exceptionally aromatic. The concrete is then washed with alcohol to strip the aromatic molecules from the hexane.
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