Cold-pressed extraction

Cold-pressed extraction is a mechanical process to recover the essential oil contained in the skin (or epicarp) of citrus fruits. This technique is specifically reserved for citrus due to where their essential oils are stored. It was introduced in Italy in the 19th century and expanded to Brazil, California, and Florida. Today, there are several extraction systems that entail mechanically scraping the essence-filled skins. The essence is carried away by water, then is decanted to be separated. This method is used to obtain the essential oils of lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, or bitter orange.