What You Need to Know
The process relies on temperature‑dependent solubility and diffusion kinetics; at higher temperatures, hydrophobic essential oils and alkaloids become more soluble, while hydrophilic compounds such as caffeine and catechins are extracted at lower temperatures. Extraction follows first‑order kinetics, with the rate constant increasing exponentially with temperature. Proper control of temperature, time, and particle size allows selective extraction while minimizing oxidation and bitterness.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Dissolution and diffusion of soluble plant compounds into the solvent