CITRIC ACID AND LEMON OIL FROM LEMON

Citric acid was first isolated from lemon juice and crystallised as a solid by Scheele in 1784. It is found as natural constituent of citrus fruits, pine apples, peaches, figs and other fruits and tissues. The citric acid extracted from these products is known as a “natural citric acid” in contrast to “fermentation citric acid” lemons, limes and pine apples are the principal sources of natural citric acid, which is produced chiefly in Italy, especially Sicily and also in California, Hawai and the West Indies.

It has made the United States self sufficient in respect to the citric acid supply and greatly changes the commerce of the world in citric acid and calcium citrate.

Recent developments in the citric acid fermentation include the change from the older established shallow pan method to a deep tank submerged method.

A group headed by S.M. Martin of the National Research laboratory of Canada has been especially active in the development of the submerged production of citric acid from ferrocyanide-treated beet molasses by Aspergillus Niger.

In Russia, Imshenetskiietal through the use of ultraviolet radiation obtained an A. Niger mutant that produced 16-22% more citric acid than parent strain, which is used in Commercial production of this product. The mutant strain produced 25-30% less mycellium than the parents yet it consumed 26-51% more sucrose per gram of dry mycellium. The yield of citric acid from the sugar consumed varied from 57-74%.

Lemon Essential Oil has a refreshing scent that is thought to stimulate the liver and has a gentle, calming effect. Lemon oil is thought to promote clarity of mind and purpose, as well as generally increasing one’s well-being and physical energy.

The oil is produced from the outer peel of the lemon fruit through cold pressing. Lemon is considered one of the lightest in aromatherapy, a nice bright ‘top note’.

Lemon oil’s aroma is warming, enhancing and invigorating, and studies have shown it to have antidepressant effects. Lemon oil apparently has a significant effect on one’s ability to concentrate: During a university study in Japan, various essential oils were diffused into an office. When Lemon Essential Oil was diffused, 54% fewer errors were made, with Jasmine Oil, 33% fewer errors, and with Lavender Oil, 20% fewer. Diffusion of essential oils was found to increase test scores by up to 50% when diffused into study and test-taking areas.

In addition to its uplifting and clarifying nature, emotionally, lemon oil is considered an opener of the heart. It is said to alleviate fears of losing oneself, bringing trust and security.

Lemon essential oil has been shown to eliminate many types of bacteria, and may be the most effective oil for disinfecting a room using a diffuser. It is often used in disinfecting blends. In many European countries, the oil is considered somewhat of a ‘cure all’, particularly with infectious illness. Lemon Oil also serves well as an insect repellent, alone or in blends.

Like Bergamot and grapefruit oils, the only caution noted is possible phototoxicity – it may make skin to which it is applied more sensitive to sunlight.

Lemon essential oil information

Lemon essential oil is extracted from the Citrus lemon (also known as Citrus Limon), of the Rutaceae family and is also known as cedro oil (which refers to terpeneless oil).

This clean smelling lemon essential oil is not only good for helping you make decisions and to improve your concentration, but cuts down on acidity in the body – thereby assisting the digestion, as well as with rheumatism, arthritis and gout, while also sorting out cellulite, abscesses, boils, carbuncles and acne.

Lemon Oil by virtue of its wide field of application is a medicinal floavour, food flavour, bakery products, carbonated soft drinks its demand is increasing at a considerable pace.

It contains upto 50 % aldehydes mostly citral and is a rich source of vitamin-C,