DESTILERY

The process is called ‘steam distillation’ and certainly improves the quality of the product by reducing the hydrolytic interference (especially of ethers) associated with the traditional extraction procedure. The plant consists of a steam boiler separated from the so-called “alamblc” – essential oils are obtained by water distillation without chemicals and at controlled low pressure.

After being transported to the distillery, the lavender flowers are stuffed into the boiling pots. The processing of distillation of oil-bearing plants like lavender goes through several main stages.

The procedure consists in passing the steam through a tank full of lavender, the oil together with the water flows into special vessels called florentines, from where the oil is separated. The isolated distillation apparatuses, is high-pressure steam with controlled pressure (3-5 atmospheres) where the lavender is heat-treated.

Finally, an essential oil tank collects water and essential oil. The mixture of steam, aromas, and oil cools and turns into a liquid that enters the florentines vessel. In this vessel, the lavender (essential) oil is separated from the water by decantation. The difference in physical properties between the two liquids allows them to be easily separated, the lavender has an amazing aroma and exceptional biological properties, which are due, to the high content of essential oils.

Water vapor distillation is one of the most preferred methods for extracting essential oils. Thus, their healing properties are preserved and can be used for prevention and treatment of many diseases, as well as in aromatherapy. An interesting fact is that in steam distillation, all essential oils are distilled at a temperature below 100 °C.

 Fun Fact: “It takes 35 pounds of Lavender flowers to produce just one 15mL bottle of Lavender oil.”