3 Ways to Extract Essential Oil, How to Extract Essential Oil, History of Essential Oil Extraction

Summary

In this informative video, Leo from Lead Time explores three traditional methods for extracting essential oils from plant materials. The first method, expression, is showcased through the example of citrus peels, highlighting historical Italian practices. The second method, extraction, involves using solvents like alcohol or fats, with a focus on the French technique using olive oil to extract rose oil. The third method, distillation, is the most versatile and can produce hydrosols. Leo explains the advantages of steam distillation for its efficiency and safety, providing a comprehensive guide to essential oil production.

Takeaways

• 🍊 The first method of extracting essential oil is called expression, commonly used on citrus materials like orange and lemon peels.
• 📚 Historically, in the 19th century, Sicilian Italians manually squeezed lemon peels onto a sponge to extract essential oil.
• 💧 After squeezing, the liquid is filtered and allowed to settle, separating the essential oil from water.
• 🌿 The second method is extraction, where plant material is mixed with a solvent to extract the essential oil.
• 🧪 Three types of solvents can be used: volatile solvents like alcohol, fats such as olive oil or lard, and hot air.
• 🌹 French people in the 19th century used olive oil or lard to extract rose essential oil by placing petals on top of the oil and heating gently.
• 🔄 The process of extraction with fats involves multiple batches and can last for months to saturate the oil with the essential oil.
• 🔥 The third solvent method involves using hot air to blow over the plant material and then collecting the air carrying the essential oil.
• 💧 Distillation is the third method and is suitable for almost any plant material, also allowing the production of hydrosols like rose water.
• 🌡 There are two types of distillation: water distillation, where plant material is boiled with water, and steam distillation, which is more efficient and safer.

Q & A

What are the three methods of extracting essential oils from plant material discussed in the video?

The three methods discussed are expression, extraction, and distillation.

How does the expression method work for extracting essential oils?

The expression method involves physically squeezing plant material, like citrus peels, to release the essential oils. This method is commonly used on citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.

What is the historical context of using expression for extracting essential oils?

In the 19th century in Sicily, Italian people manually squeezed lemon peels onto a sponge until saturated, then squeezed the liquid out and filtered it to separate the essential oil from the water.

What are the three types of solvents used in the extraction method?

The three types of solvents used are volatile solvents like alcohol, fats such as olive oil or lard, and hot air.

How did the French use fat for extracting essential oils in the 19th century?

The French placed rose petals on top of oil, such as olive oil or lard, and heated the container in a water bath to a mild temperature to accelerate the extraction process. The oil would then be tested to ensure all the scent had been extracted, and the process could be repeated for months.

What is the amphorage process mentioned in the video?

Amphorage is a process where oil, such as olive oil, is used to extract essential oils and then alcohol is used to extract the essential oil from the oil. The oil can then be reused for further extractions.

How does the distillation method differ from the extraction method?

Distillation involves heating plant material with water or passing steam through it to release the essential oils, which are then collected through a condensation process. This method can be used with almost any plant material and is the only way to make hydrosols.

What are the two general ways of distillation mentioned in the video?

The two general ways of distillation are water distillation, where the plant material is boiled with water, and steam distillation, where steam passes through the plant material without direct contact.

Why is steam distillation considered more efficient and safer than water distillation?

Steam distillation is more efficient and safer because the plant material never touches the boiling water, reducing the risk of burning or overcooking the material, which can ruin the flavor of the essential oil.

What is a hydrosol and how is it made?

A hydrosol, also known as floral water, is a byproduct of the distillation process, particularly steam distillation, where the steam carries the essential oils and water vapor, which is then condensed and collected.