Steam Distillation vs Cold Press: What’s Best for Essential Oil Quality?

The demand for essential oils is growing rapidly for wellness, cosmetic, aromatherapy, and pharmaceutical industries. However, very few consumers know that the method of extraction plays a major role in quality, purity, impact and shelf life of an essential oil. Among various extraction methods, steam distillation and cold press extraction are the most trusted techniques in the essential oil industry. Each of these two methods is used for different types of plant materials.

In this blog, we will compare the steam distillation method to the cold pressing method, their advantages and limitations. We will also explore the effect of extraction methods on the overall quality of essential oils.

What is Steam Distillation?

Steam distillation has been used widely for a long time. This method is used to extract essential oils from different parts of plants such as flowers, leaves, stems, roots, bark and resins.

It includes following steps-

1. Stem is generated and applied on plant materials.
2. The heat created by steam causes the evaporation of aromatic compounds.
3. Now after getting vapours (oil and water) cooling is applied in a condenser.
4. Now vapours are condensed back into liquid, the essential oil naturally becomes separate from water, and is collected.

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Advantages of Steam Distillation

• If this method is followed at controlled temperature, it preserves the therapeutic properties of the essential oils.
• You get highly concentrated oils.
• Steam distilled oil is less affected by oxidation, so it has a longer shelf life.
• It is good for both small scale and larger scale production.

Limitations of Steam Distillation

• This method is not suitable for heat sensitive oils like citrous oils or floral notes.
• The process consumes more energy for temperature control and water supply.
• It consumes more time which depends on the type of plant materials and scale of extraction.

What is Cold Press Extraction?

The method is also known as expression or mechanical pressing. This method is mainly used for citrus fruits – such as orange, lemon, lime, and bergamot, which have sufficient essential oils in the peel (rind).

This process includes following steps-

1. It starts with the washing and preparing of Citrus fruits.
2. Piercing or grinding of the rinds is done to get the essential oils.
3. Now rinds are pressed mechanically to extract the oil.
4. The extracted liquid is filtered and centrifuged to separate the essential oil from the pulp and juice.

This process is done at low temperatures; therefore, freshness and aromatic properties of citrus oils are not damaged.

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Advantages of Cold Pressing

• Essential oils which are sensitive to heat are not degraded.
• Freshness and aroma of the citrus oils is maintained.
• This process consumes less energy, takes less time and is more sustainable.

Limitations of Cold Pressing

• The faster oxidation process decreases the shelf life of oils, and you need careful storage.
• It is effective mainly for citrus peels and you have limited scope for this process.
• The oil extracted may contain some impurities like waxes and residues due to their non-volatility.

Steam Distillation vs Cold Press: What Should You Choose?

Choose a steam distillation method if you are using herbal oils for different formulations used in wellness and therapy. It has a longer shelf life and purity. Choose cold pressing method

if you prefer citrus notes in your blend. It provides maximum freshness with less processing time and is suitable for natural perfumery also.

Final Thoughts

There is no single perfect extraction method for all plants. Each method is suitable for a specific type of plant. It is important to understand the source plant and then you can choose the appropriate methods. If you apply proper extraction methods and store the essential oils with care, both steam distilled and cold pressed essential oils can deliver good experience and benefits.

Trusted manufacturers like SOM Extracts select the best suitable extraction methods for each plant to ensure that essential oils have their natural properties, aroma, and therapeutic value.

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