Supercritical CO2 extracts

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Supercritical CO2 extraction is an efficient separation method, to separate active ingredients from plant material. Supercritical solvent extraction is one of the gentlest, most flexible, dynamic and nature friendly techniques used for the extraction of spices, herbs and flowers using food grade CO2. These are the products extracted at ambient temperatures and at high pressures to avoid loss of aroma and degradation of actives. Apart from being solvent residue free, supercritical fluid extraction is a green process, highly rated for its eco-friendliness. The low viscosity and high diffusivity of supercritical fluid enhances the penetrating power based on the high mass transfer of solutes into the fluid.

Supercritical extraction using CO2 is considered organic compatible and widely used in the manufacturing of organic certified products. Kancor, with its global sourcing capabilities, more than two decades of expertise in CO2 extraction and wide range of products, offers an edge over others in this world of discerning tastes.

• No chemical alterations
• No thermal degradation
• Low temperature processing
• Energy efficient and environment friendly
• Organic compliant process

• Natural fresh flavour notes
• Flexibility in concentration
• Stronger actives
• Free from solvent residues
• Better flow characteristics
• Less resins

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What is a Supercritical fluid?
A supercritical fluid is any substance at a temperature and pressure above its critical point, where distinct liquid and gas phases do not exist.

What is a Supercritical fluid extraction?
Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is the process of separating one component (the extractant) from another (the matrix) using supercritical fluids as the extraction solvent.

What is the most commonly used supercritical fluid in food industry?
Carbon dioxide is the most commonly used and popular Supercritical fluid in food industry.

How does Supercritical fluid extraction differ from conventional solvent extraction?
In the conventional extraction using organic solvents, flavour and aroma loss occurs due to thermal degradation and high vacuum at the solvent removal stage. In supercritical extraction, there is no thermal degradation as it’s carried out at near ambient conditions and the CO2 is separated by reducing the pressure and recycled after the extraction.

How is supercritical CO2 extraction of spices carried out?
Liquid CO2 from the storage tank is pressurized and passed through the extractor, where it gets loaded with the raw material which is to be extracted. Pressure drops down after extraction at separators causes precipitation of the dissolved substances which is collected to collection vessels. The gaseous CO2 is condensed, intermediately stored and recycled again.

What are the advantages of Supercritical CO2 extraction?
Supercritical CO2 extraction is carried at near ambient temperature which helps in retaining fresh aroma and flavour of spices in the extract. The properties of the supercritical fluid can be altered by varying the pressure and temperature, allowing selective extraction of actives, giving it an edge over other extraction processes. The extraction process is considered as a green process, highly rated for its eco-friendliness and approved as an organic compliant process.

What are the main Supercritical fluid extracts from Kancor?
Kancor’s product range includes extracts and top note oils of spices. Major spices coming under the range are black pepper, Ginger, White Pepper, Capsicum, Cinnamon etc.

Which applications can these supercritical fluid extracts can be used in?
Supercritical Co2 extracts of spices goes mainly into the manufacturing of flavours, seasoning, marinades etc. It’s also used in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry. The top note oils are used in fragrance industry as well as in food industry for bringing out the fresh aroma of spices. Top notes are widely used in beverages also.

What are the advantages of using supercritical fluid extracts in applications?
The extracts add fresh flavour and aroma profiles of spices to the food application, it provides better characterization to the end products. It is widely used by food manufacturers for clean label solutions.

What is the difference between supercritical extracts and top note oils?
Extracts are oleoresins whereas top note oils are highly refined essential oils. Extracts add flavour at the same time top note oils are generally used for fragrance applications.