The effect of citric acid in lime mash on the composition of lime oil

Abstract

Production of essential oils from lime mash is becoming a big industry in West Africa.However, owing to lack of distillation facilities the lime mash is shipped to European countries where the essential oils are then distilled. An investigation into the effect of naturally present citric acid in lime mash on the final lime oil distillate quality, has shown that the citric acid is an important factor in causing a major change in the chemical constitution of lime oil during distillation. This change is manifested by loss of colour and flavour reminiscent of natural lime oil