What You Need to Know
The process typically employs water heated to 60–80 °C for 15–30 min, maximizing solubilization of phenolic acids such as rosmarinic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids while preserving volatile essential oils. At temperatures above 90 °C thermolabile compounds degrade and bitter alkaloids may form, whereas temperatures below 50 °C yield sub‑optimal extraction. The resulting infusion is a complex mixture of bioactive phenolics and terpenes that imparts herbal, floral, and citrus notes.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Heat‑induced aqueous extraction of phenolic acids and essential oils from plant tissues