Enfleurage
Enfleurage is an ancient method where flower petals are placed on a layer of fat to absorb their fragrance. This process is repeated until the fat is saturated with essential oil.
History
Enfleurage was commonly used in ancient Egypt and France for extracting oils from delicate flowers like jasmine and tuberose.
Process
Fresh flower petals are placed on a layer of fat, which absorbs the essential oils. The process is repeated with fresh petals until the fat is saturated, then the fat is mixed with alcohol to extract the oil.
Required Equipment
- Glass trays
- Fat base (usually animal fat)
- Alcohol
Extraction Details
- Extraction Time: Several days to weeks
- Raw Material: Varies, typically several kilograms of petals
- Yield: Very low yield, 0.2-0.5%
- Temperature Range: Room temperature
- Water Ratio: N/A
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh petals for the best oil yield.
- This method is ideal for flowers that do not tolerate heat or pressure well.