How to Extract Orange Oil
Orange oil derives from orange rinds of both sweet and sour oranges. It contains d-limonene, a compound that seems to help control termites. In addition, orange oil has become popular as an essential oil used in aromatherapy to calm anxieties and relieve tension and anxiety. People who use vaporizers often add orange oil to treat bronchitis. Orange oil is expressed from the rind during a process known as cold pressing. Cold pressing occurs in industrial settings with special equipment that mechanically presses the orange rinds. Individuals can extract citrus oil on a small scale at home as well. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Oranges
- Grinder
- Blender
- Food processor
- Glass jar with fitted lid
- Alcohol
- Coffee filters or paper towel
- Shallow dish
Instructions
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1
Peel the oranges. Put the peel in a warm dry place (such as in a sunny window ledge) to dry.
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2
Grate the peels with a grater or grind them in a grinder, blender or food processor after they are dry.
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3
Put the ground peel into a glass jar. Add enough alcohol (grain alcohol or vodka, for instance) to cover the peel. Cover the jar tightly with the lid.
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4
Leave the covered jar in the sun. Shake the jar periodically over the course of several days. (Warm alcohol will result in more yield, so leave the jar in a sunny spot.)
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5
Strain the mixture through a coffee filter or paper towel.
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6
Leave the strained alcohol in a small covered dish. When the alcohol evaporates, the remaining liquid is the orange oil.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear gloves while making orange oil. Orange oil can irritate the skin. Keep the mixture away from flames; alcohol is flammable.
