New Grosso and Hidecote Lavender

On May 27, 2012 we finally started planting more lavender. We chose two varieties, Hidecote and Grosso.

Our intention is to have this area which is 30'x80' planted by next year with both varieties.

New Distilling Equipment

This was my first attempt last year at distilling lavender buds that were dried for some time prior to distilling. Since that attempt, I have distilled fresh lavender that we grow in our backyard where a pool once stood. We currently have 25 plants which is a mixture of  Grosso and Munstead.

This is the picture of the oil and water separator. The cloudy portion is lavender essential oil. The water below is what's called hydrosol which can be used as an air freshener.
Using the above essential oil distiller made the process simple. Within minutes of the water boiling, I started seeing the oil. To get this amount took one bioflask packed full of lavender buds and about 45 minutes.

The still I have was purchased online from http://www.heartmagic.com/EssentialDistiller.html
The components are quite simple. Starting with the hot plate you have the boiling flask. Everything I
have read so far tells me to use distilled water to ensure purity of the essential oil. I only fill the boiling flask halfway.

The next component is the bio-flask. You get a screen with the kit which prevents the plant material from dropping in the boiling flask. It is very important to pack the bio-flask full. NOTE: Be sure to use joint grease when connecting each piece of glassware. If you don't, you will have a hard time separating the components.

Next is the gooseneck. This is where the steam travels carrying the essential oil. What I have learned is to wrap the gooseneck in a dishcloth and hold it together with spring clothespins. This prevents any pre-cooling of the steam. I also wrap the bio-flask in the same fashion. Make sure the dish clothe does not get close to the hot pad.

From the gooseneck, we come to the condenser. To me, this is the business end of the process. There are two ports on the condenser. One for incoming and one for outgoing water. The kit had come with a small pump which was fine. I purchased a second one which happened to have more power. This was helpful due to the fact the height of the bucket of ice water to the condenser was higher and I needed more power. I use a five-gallon bucket half filled with ice to ensure a consistent flow of cold water. In 45 minutes a large bag of ice is sufficient. As the steam is forced into the inner tube of the condenser the water circulates around the inner tube cooling the steam back into water and oil.

This brings us to the water and oil separator. As the water and oil drop into the separator the oil floats on top. As the process continues the excess water ( hydrosol) runs up the exit neck. I just use a mason jar to capture the hydrosol. Amounts will vary. I usually let it run for about an hour and fifteen minutes. After I turn it off I let everything cool down to allow time for all the oil drop down from the goose-neck and condenser. Once cooled I drain off the excess hydrosol from the separator by turning the bottom valve. Close the valve before the oil drips out. I use amber colored vials to store the oil. This protects the oil from light. Once in the vial, I let it sit opened to allow the phenols to evaporate. Depending on the oil this can take anywhere from two days to a week. You just have to keep smelling it. Once the pleasant smell is profound cap it off.