ΑΠΟΣΤΑΞΗ ΑΡΩΜΑΤΙΚΩΝ ΦΥΤΩΝ

Distillation of aromatic plants

June 14, 2023

Distillation is a process carried out under ideal conditions to ensure the optimal quality of floral waters and essential oils. It is the next step after harvesting aromatic plants. The distillation process in our still follows the method known as "hydro-steam distillation." In this method, distillation is performed using the steam generated from a heated blend of raw materials. Heat is applied to the still, and the steam breaks the fibers of the plant. This heat is sufficient to release the essential oils, which are carried away by the steam outside the still.

The steam and oil mixture is cooled and condensed, resulting in a layer of essential oil and a layer of water, known as "floral water" or "hydrosol."

Hydro-steam distillation is a process in which the plant is placed inside the still above boiling water using a mesh. This allows the steam to penetrate more of the plant material, providing a higher yield of essential oils and hydrosols. There are also two other types of distillation methods used to extract essential oils and hydrosols from aromatic plants, which are described below:

Hydro-distillation: It is a process in which the plant material is placed in the distillation still, immersed in water, and boiled. The resulting steam, carrying the essential oil, is directed into a condenser where it is cooled and liquefied, leading to the separation of the essential oil from the hydrosol in a separator (Florentine flask).
Steam Distillation: This modern method of distillation, widely used in industrial-scale distillations, requires the use of a specialized steam generator. Dry steam is generated in the steam generator and directed into a perforated tube at the bottom of the still. This ensures even distribution of steam throughout the plant material. The steam then passes into a condenser where it is cooled and liquefied, leading to the separation of the essential oil from the hydrosol in a separator (Florentine flask). In this method, the three variables of steam are important factors in the distillation process:

Its speed
Its pressure
Its flow

These three variables should have the appropriate values in order to obtain the optimal quantity and quality of essential oil and hydrosol.

Our distillery specializes in the distillation of various aromatic plants, utilizing our expertise gained through trial and experimental distillations. Some of the aromatic plants we have distilled include Lavender, Rose, Melissa (Lemon Balm), Cistus, Mountain Tea, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Hyssop, Saffron, and Oregano. Our distillery is equipped with certified organic alembics (distillation apparatus).

Distillation of aromatic plants

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