- Selection of plant material: The first step in cold pressed extraction is selecting the appropriate plant material. This can include citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, or grapefruits, as well as seeds like almonds or jojoba.
- Preparation: The selected plant material is thoroughly washed and cleaned to remove any dirt, debris, or pesticides. This ensures that the extracted oil is pure and free from contaminants.
- Grinding or shredding: The plant material is then either ground or shredded to break it down into smaller pieces. This step helps to expose the oil-containing cells within the plant material, making it easier to extract the essential oil.
- Pressing: The ground or shredded plant material is placed in a hydraulic press or an expeller press. The press applies mechanical pressure to the plant material, squeezing out the essential oil. The pressure can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds per square inch, depending on the plant material being processed.
- Separation: As the plant material is pressed, the essential oil is released and flows out of the press. It is collected and separated from the remaining plant material and any other liquids that may be present, such as juice or water.
- Filtration: The collected oil is then filtered to remove any remaining impurities or solid particles. This step ensures that the final essential oil is clear and free from any unwanted substances.
- Storage: The filtered essential oil is stored in dark, airtight containers to protect it from light and air, which can degrade its quality. Proper storage helps to maintain the aroma, potency, and therapeutic properties of the essential oil.
Cold pressed extraction is preferred for certain plant materials, especially those that are heat-sensitive or contain volatile compounds that can be easily damaged by high temperatures. This method retains the natural fragrance, colour, and therapeutic properties of the plant material, resulting in high-quality essential oils.
