The discriminating manufacturer exercises a considerable amount of caution when buying a citrus oil - since it is possible to adulterate the natural oil with terpenes and lemongrass citral without deviating from the ruirements of the legislated standards.
The development of the machine pressing of citrus oils has not improved the quality of these oils.
Lemon Oil.---- For example - the finest lemon oil is produced by manual sponge pressing. It may seem strange in this machine age that a manual operation should take precedence over a mechanical method - but hand pressing is the most scientific means yet devised by man for the production of perfect lemon oil.
It is unspoiled by heat - steam - oxidation or metallic contact - and possesses all the characteristics of the pure - natural oil.
If a confectioner requires the best possible lemon oil - he demands sponge-pressed oil. A useful point to remember is that the addition of small amounts of lemon essence will enhance the flavours of other fruit essences such as Blackcurrant and Raspberry.