Tuberose petals possess delicate flower thus require special care while extracting oil form it.
Dear Saryu,
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is a delicate flower commonly used to extract essential oil through solvent extraction. The most suitable solvent for extracting tuberose oil is hexane, a hydrocarbon solvent that can remove a high yield of essential oil from flowers.
The procedure for extracting essential oil from tuberose flowers is as follows:
- For single-type flowers: The flowers are picked when fully open and at the peak of their fragrance. They are then washed, dried, and ground into a paste. The paste is then mixed with the solvent (hexane) in a percolator. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind the essential oil.
- For double-type flowers: Double-type flowers are more delicate and should be handled with care. The flowers are picked when fully open and at the peak of their fragrance. They are then washed, dried, and ground into a paste. Then the paste is mixed with the solvent (hexane) in a percolator. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind the essential oil.
It's worth noting that the procedure may vary depending on the lab and equipment available. The quality of the oil and the yield may also vary based on the flowers' maturity and the extraction method. It's recommended to consult with experts in essential oil extraction to ensure the best possible outcome and to follow safety measures when handling solvents.
I hope this explanation was helpful,
Edgar M Cambaza
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