Carbon Dioxide Extracts

Carbon dioxide extracts are volatile aromatic oils produced without steam distillation. Dried botanical matter is placed in a carbon dioxide extractor and carbon dioxide is forced through the botanical matter at specific pressures for specific time periods. The time and pressures depend on the botanical matter in use. In some cases the end result is a liquid similar to steam distilled essential oils. In other cases the carbon dioxide extra is solid at room temperature and must be warmed before working with it. Carbon dioxide extraction releases compounds that steam distillation can't.