Do you know how to extract peppermint oil from mint leaves?
Everyone knows that peppermint oil has many uses, so do you know how to extract peppermint oil from mint leaves?Now plant essential oil manufacturers tell you。
1, select a liquid that can be used for extraction。Shochu, or another high-strength grain alcohol, because it has water and alcohol to dissolve oil。Although apple cider vinegar or glycerin can be substituted, the final tincture will be much stronger and have a shorter shelf life。White vinegar will also work, but with the same effect。These are good for kids who can't drink, but if you bake with it, the alcohol will come out。Homemade tincture, like the vanilla extract you buy at the store, is usually used in small doses, so alcohol has no noticeable effect。
For dried mint leaves, use a wine with 45-60% alcohol。
For fresh mint leaves, as they already contain water, use a high degree of alcohol。
2. Chop the mint leaves。Cut a bundle of fresh mint leaves into two or three pieces, or mash the leaves with a clean cup so that more oil is exposed to the liquid。Dried mint leaves can be crushed by hand, or mostly whole。Wash fresh mint leaves before chopping。Do not remove stems, but discard any smooth or dark leaves, as these may be rotting。
3. Put the mint and liquid in a resealable jar。Fill the jar with mints, leaving only 1 if you want a stronger medicated liquor.25 centimeters of space。You can use fewer mint leaves if you prefer, but you may get a less aromatic or well-tasting result。Once the mints are in, pour the alcohol or other liquid into the jar, all covering the leaves。Close the lid of the jar tightly。
The leaves can float at first。You can push them off with a spoon, but they'll sink in on their own after a few days。
4. Let the jar sit for a few weeks, shaking it occasionally。The exact length of time just depends on how strong you want your tincture to be, but it usually takes between 4 and 8 weeks。Most people prefer to keep the jar in a dark place because sunlight reduces the shelf life of the medicinal wine。Once or twice a week, shake the bottle for a few minutes to speed up the dissolution process。
5. Strain the liquid into a brown glass container。Pour the liquid into a coffee strainer to remove the leaves and sediment。Store it in a brown glass container to protect it from the sun and improve its shelf life。It can last for six months or more, although it may gradually lose its effectiveness。
If the medicated liquor tastes like vodka or isn't as strong as you'd like it to be, then leave the jar out for another week and cover it with a fresh coffee filter or cloth。Some of the alcohol will evaporate。
That's how to extract peppermint oil from mint leaves. Have you learned?I hope it was helpful。