Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is widely used in **food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals**, requiring a **high-purity extraction process**. This article compares **supercritical CO2 extraction** and **steam distillation** for **peppermint oil production**.

1. Extraction Efficiency and Yield

• Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Produces **higher oil yield** with full-spectrum extraction.
• Steam Distillation: Requires **larger quantities of raw material** to obtain the same oil volume.

2. Flavor and Menthol Retention

• CO2 Extraction: Preserves **delicate menthol compounds**, enhancing **aromatic intensity**.
• Steam Distillation: High temperatures may cause **menthol breakdown**, reducing flavor quality.

3. Purity and Organic Standards

• CO2 Extraction: Leaves **no solvent residues**, making it ideal for **organic certifications**.
• Steam Distillation: Heat may **alter some volatile compounds** affecting final product integrity.

4. Case Study: CO2 Extraction in High-Purity Peppermint Oil

A peppermint oil producer improved **flavor retention by 35%** after switching to CO2 extraction.

5. Conclusion

For **high-quality peppermint oil**, **supercritical CO2 extraction** offers **higher purity and yield**. Companies like **SHANGHAI NORTH BROOKS** provide **CO2 SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION MACHINE** solutions for **premium essential oil production**.

READ MORE：

• CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Food-Grade Extracts
• Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation Temperature Control
• CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Fragrance Industry
• CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Heat-Sensitive Compounds
• CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Lavender Oil Extraction
• Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation Process Efficiency
• CO2 vs Steam Distillation Environmental Sustainability
• CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Terpene Retention
• Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation Purity Level