What is a cold-pressed extraction method?

The cold-pressed extraction method refers specifically to a technique used primarily for extracting essential oils from citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes. This method involves mechanically pressing the peels of the fruit without applying heat. This allows for the extraction of essential oils while preserving the delicate volatile compounds that can be altered or destroyed by heat.

By avoiding heat, cold pressing maintains the natural fragrance and therapeutic properties of the oils, which is essential in aromatherapy practices where the integrity of the oil is crucial for its effectiveness. This technique stands out as a clean, efficient means of obtaining high-quality citrus oils, making it a preferred method among aromatherapists.

In contrast, other extraction methods, such as heating the plant material or using solvents like alcohol, would compromise the purity and quality of the essential oil extracted from the citrus. Thus, the emphasis on mechanical pressing without heat in the cold-pressed method highlights its uniqueness and suitability for citrus oils.