Description
Steam distillation separates volatile botanical constituents by passing steam through plant material at atmospheric pressure.
Technical
The process relies on the principle that the vapor pressure of essential oil components is significantly higher than that of water at the same temperature. When steam reaches the boiling point of water (100 °C), it entrains the volatile compounds, carrying them into the condenser where they condense and separate from the water. The resulting mixture is then collected as a distillate containing both water and essential oil.
Science
Primary Reaction
Vaporization and condensation of volatile constituents
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
floralherbalearthycitrusspicy
Origin & History
Civilization
Mesopotamian and Egyptian
Era