Extracts & Absolutes
An extract is a substance made by extracting a part of a raw material, often by using a solvent such as ethanol or water. Extracts may be sold as tinctures, absolutes or in powder form.
The aromatic principles of many spices, nuts, herbs, fruits, etc., and some flowers, are marketed as extracts, among the best known of true extracts being Almond, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Lemon, Nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Pistachio, Rose, Spearmint, Vanilla, Violet, and Wintergreen. Some of our most commonly sold extracts include Seaweed, Mandarin Peel and Bergamot, just to name a few.
Used in perfumery and aromatherapy, Absolutes are similar to Essential Oils. They are concentrated, highly aromatic, oily mixtures extracted from plants. Whereas Essential Oils are produced by distillation, boiling or pressing, Absolutes are produced through solvent extraction, or more traditionally, through enfleurage.
First, a plant material is extracted with a hydrocarbon solvent, such as hexane, to yield a concrete. The concrete is then extracted with ethanol. The ethanol extract is cooled to solidify waxes, and cold filtered to yield a liquid extract. When the ethanol evaporates, an oil — the absolute — is left behind.
Some raw materials are either too delicate or too inert to be steam-distilled. The only way to yield their aroma is through solvent extraction. Examples of these are Jasmine and Beeswax. Absolutes in demand include Rose, Jasmine, Tuberose, Ylang-ylang, Mimosa, Boronia, Lavender, Lavandin, Geranium, Clary Sage, Violet, Oak Moss and Tonka Bean.
Rose Oil, Jasmine Absolute, Tuberose Absolute, Orris Root Oil, Ambrette Seed Oil, Angelica Root Oil, and Orange Flower Oil are valuable and expensive fragrance and flavor ingredients.
Residual solvents may remain in the Absolutes. Therefore, some absolutes are considered undesirable for aromatherapy, and there are many opinions and reccomendations avaliable online, which can cause confusion. Always consult a medical practitioner or qualified arotherapist when using any Oils.
Feel free to contact us for more information on Extracts & Absolutes we stock.
