Oil is made from flowers primarily through extraction methods that separate the volatile aromatic compounds, known as essential oils, from the flower material. The most common method is steam distillation.
Extraction Methods
The process of extracting oil from flowers involves isolating the plant's aromatic compounds. Several methods are used, each suited to different types of flowers and desired oil qualities.
Steam Distillation
This is the most widely used method.
- Preparation: Fresh or dried flowers are placed in a still.
- Steam Application: Steam is passed through the plant material. The heat causes the flower's cell walls to break down, releasing the essential oils.
- Condensation: The steam, now carrying the essential oils, passes through a condenser, where it cools and turns back into liquid.
- Separation: The condensed liquid consists of both water and essential oil. Because oil and water don't mix, they naturally separate. The essential oil is then collected. The remaining water, which also contains some aromatic compounds, is often sold as floral water or hydrosol.
Solvent Extraction
This method is used for delicate flowers that can be damaged by the high temperatures of steam distillation, such as jasmine or tuberose.
- Solvent Application: Flowers are submerged in a solvent (e.g., hexane or ethanol).
- Extraction: The solvent dissolves the essential oils and other plant compounds.
- Solvent Removal: The solvent is evaporated, leaving behind a waxy substance called a concrete.
- Absolute Production: To obtain the pure essential oil (absolute), the concrete is mixed with alcohol, which dissolves the essential oils. The alcohol is then evaporated, leaving the absolute.
Enfleurage
An older, less common method, particularly for delicate floral scents.
- Grease Preparation: Odorless, solid fat (usually animal or vegetable) is spread onto glass plates (chassis).
- Flower Placement: Fresh flowers are placed on the fat.
- Absorption: The fat absorbs the flowers' essential oils over a period of days. The flowers are replaced regularly with fresh ones until the fat is saturated with fragrance.
- Extraction: The fragrant fat (pomade) is washed with alcohol to extract the essential oils. The alcohol is then evaporated, leaving the absolute.
Expression (Cold Pressing)
While typically used for citrus fruits, this method can also sometimes be applied to flowers. It involves mechanically pressing the plant material to release the oil.
Applications of Flower Oils
Flower oils are widely used in:
- Perfumery: As key ingredients in perfumes and colognes.
- Aromatherapy: For their therapeutic properties.
- Cosmetics: In lotions, creams, and other beauty products.
- Flavoring: In some foods and beverages (though less common than other types of essential oils).
In summary, oil is made from flowers through various extraction processes, with steam distillation being the most common. These methods capture the flower's aromatic compounds, resulting in valuable essential oils for use in various industries.
