Effect of pulsed electric fields on yield and chemical composition of rose oil (Rosa damascena Mill.)

To improve the comparatively low oil yield, pulsed electric fields have been applied on fresh rose blossoms with an energy input of 10 kJ/kg as well as 20 kJ/kg. It was reported a rise in yield of 2- 46 %, additionally the distillation time could be reduced. An increase of ratio terpene alcohols/hydrocarbones from 33 % to 285 % was observed in treated rose oil. To elucidate the influence on petal structure, scanning electron microscopy was used. The determination of yield increase, chemical composition and olfactory evaluation showed that a pulsed electric fields treatment at 10 kJ/kg was optimal with regard to product yield and quality.