How to Extract Essential Oils From Fruits

Essential oils belonging to the citrus family -- including lemon, lime, bergamot, grapefruit and sweet orange -- are some of the most commonly used in aromatherapy. While each oil has its own unique aromatic properties, citrus essential oils are generally regarded as revitalizing and uplifting. Citrus essential oils are commercially manufactured by pressing the rinds of citrus fruits to extract the aromatic fluid inside. However, it is relatively easy, although more time-consuming, to extract essential oil from fruits at home using a process called enfleurage.

Things You'll Need

• Citrus fruit of your choice (enough to yield 6 to 24 tablespoons of zest depending on the potency required)
• Lemon zester or vegetable peeler
• 300 ml olive oil
• 600ml wide necked jar with secure, airtight lid
• Glass stirring rod
• Glass mixing bowl
• Cheesecloth or unbleached muslin
• 300ml airtight blue or amber glass storage bottle

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Instructions

• 1

  Pour the olive oil into the jar.

• 2

  Shave the outer rind of your chosen fruit using a lemon zester or vegetable peeler, until you have 6 tablespoons of thinly pared citrus zest.

• 3

  Add the citrus zest to the olive oil. Stir well using a glass stirrer.

• 4

  Secure the lid of the jar tightly and leave for 48 hours in a sunny windowsill, shaking every 12 hours to ensure the zest is completely covered by the oil.

• 5

  Strain the contents of the jar through a cheesecloth or a piece of unbleached muslin into a glass bowl after 48 hours. Discard the zest.

• 6

  Refill the jar with the citrus-infused oil and add another 6 tablespoons of citrus zest.

• 7

  Repeat steps several times or until the desired potency is reached, adding new citrus zest to the recycled oil each time.

• 8

  Strain the citrus-infused oil for a final time and pour into an airtight dark glass storage bottle.