What is the difference between a CO2 Select and CO2 Total Extract?
Total extracts – These require higher pressure and low temperatures during extraction, with the resultant extract containing a high proportion of compounds such as fatty acids, waxes, resins, and any plant pigments. The oil is similar in nature to a complete extraction of all the Phyto-botanical materials. They are often semi solid or solid and must be gently warmed to use them like a liquid.
Select extracts – Require low pressure and low temperature with the resultant liquid/extract being made up of only volatile material. This method avoids thermal degradation, avoids oxidation and the result can be used like an essential oil. The oil differs from the distilled or solvent extracted version as it can have a very different chemical composition. Select extracts contain between 35% to 95% essential oil along with fatty acids and other fatty substances.