Vietnamese lemongrass essential oil, Citral from 75%, let’s discover the appeal of a spice plant

1. Vietnamese lemongrass plant

1.1 Characteristics of lemongrass plant

Lemongrass has the scientific name Cymbopogon Citratus. Lemongrass is widely grown in Vietnam, especially in the Southeast, Central Highlands and some Northern regions.

Lemongrass is a tropical herb that grows 1-2 meters in length, and can grow up to 3 meters in its preferred habitat.

The lemongrass stem, leaves and branches of this herb contain essential oils, which are effective in repelling insects. The strongest growth time for lemongrass is in the summer in moist, nutrient-rich soil.

Each lemongrass stalk has many layers, each layer grows tightly around its core. The top layers are green like the outer layer of a seashell. When peeling off the skin, will see the familiar white inner core of the lemongrass stem, which is the best place for cooking.

Lemongrass is an indispensable spice in Vietnamese family dishes. The scent of lemongrass is fragrant, increases appeal and does not have a bitter taste mixed into food like Citronella grass.

1.2 Lemongrass raw material area

Lemongrass is grown in many places in Vietnam. The main raw material areas of VIPSEN are in Tuyen Quang, Hoa Binh, Ha Nam, Thanh Hoa.

Lemongrass is an easy plant to grow. From planting to harvest is 4-6 months and continuous harvest is about 40-50 days apart. The plant gives good harvests from the 2nd year onwards, is harvested 5-6 times a year and is exploited for 5-7 years.

2. Lemongrass essential oil

2.1 Characteristics

The essential oil content in lemongrass is from 0.46% to 0.55%

Sensory: Lemongrass essential oil is a yellow liquid with a fresh lemon scent, the characteristic scent of lemongrass.

Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, insoluble in water.

Specific Gravity at 25^oC: 0.872 – 0.897

Refractive index at 25^oC: 1.483 – 1.489

Optical Rotation at 25^oC: -4 to +4

Identification test: Citral >75% (including α-Citral and β-Citral)

2.2 Composition

The main constituent is Citral (including α-Citral and β-Citral) from 75-80%. There are also other ingredients such as Myrcene (10-11%), geraniol (2-3%), β-Linalool (about 0.6%).

Citral has the formula C10H16O. Citral exists as two double bond isomers. The E isomer is called geranial or citral A. The Z isomer is called neral or citral B. Citral is insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol, ether, propylene glycol, glycerin, mineral oil and other organic solvents.

Citral after fractional distillation is a yellow to dark yellow liquid with a strong lemon odor. This compound is widely used in flavors, aromas, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

2.3 Production method

After harvest, fresh lemongrass is stripped of its old outer shell. After drying 50% of the water, lemongrass is used to produce essential oils by steam distillation. The distillation process takes about 3 hours.

Water and lemongrass essential oil are put into the extraction device to get the essential oil. Then the water is filtered to retain the lemongrass essential oil. Na2SO4 salt is added for drying. Finally, Na2SO4 salt is separated to obtain pure lemongrass essential oil.

3. Application of lemongrass essential oil

3.1 Pharmaceuticals

High Citral content helps lemongrass essential oil have antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant effects. Besides, along with its pleasant scent, lemongrass is used in medications to treat open wounds, disinfect skin, treat acne, burns, repel insects…

Along with the effect of warming the body temperature, lemongrass is also widely used in medicines to treat respiratory problems, flu, cough…

3.2 Cosmetics

Lemongrass essential oil helps clean sebum and dirt in pores, helping to make skin bright and smooth. Essential oils are widely used in cosmetic products, shampoos, bath soaps, skin creams… thanks to their lemon scent, along with antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties.

3.3 Food

Citral is an important ingredient in the flavor and aroma industry. Lemongrass essential oil, thanks to its natural lemon scent, is used in foods such as candy, soft drinks, etc.

3.4 Fragrance diffusion

The scent of lemongrass essential oil when diffused helps purify the air, mask unpleasant odors, relieve stress and repel insects.

4. Lemongrass essential oil produced at VIPSEN essential oil factory

VIPSEN is one of the leading researchers and producers of natural essential oils in Vietnam. Essential oil products are produced using advanced methods, achieving high quality with 100% natural ingredients, without additives or mixtures.

Lemongrass essential oil products are produced by VIPSEN from selected raw materials, grown in famous and sustainable growing areas in Vietnam such as Tuyen Quang, Ha Nam, Thanh Hoa… Production process from planting, harvesting to producing and preserving finished products are always closely monitored by team of experienced experts and technicians. VIPSEN’s Lemongrass essential oil products are not only popular in Vietnam but are also exported to many countries around the world.

For further information, please contact:

Phone number/Whatsapp/Zalo/Wechat: +84 868 855 086

Email: Export@Vipsen.vn

Address: D7-TT9, Forosa Street, Xuan Phuong new urban area, Xuan Phuong, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Factory address: Bai Dai, Tien Xuan, Thach That, Hanoi, Vietnam.