Extraction Process
Extracting Agar Oud essential oil is a meticulous and time-consuming process, reflecting the value and rarity of the oil. The main methods include:
Hydrodistillation: In this traditional method, agarwood chips are soaked in water for a few days to soften the wood. The soaked wood is then distilled using steam or water to extract the essential oil. This process can take several days to weeks, depending on the quality of the wood and the desired oil concentration.
Water Distillation: Similar to steam distillation but with direct boiling, this method involves submerging the agarwood chips in water and boiling them. The steam containing the oil is then condensed, and the oil is separated from the water. This method is commonly used for higher-quality agarwood, as it helps retain the oil’s complex aroma.
CO2 Extraction: A modern and more efficient technique, CO2 extraction uses supercritical carbon dioxide to extract the essential oil without applying heat. This method preserves the delicate aromatic compounds better and yields a more refined product. It is, however, more expensive than traditional distillation methods.
