Our Cardamom CO2 Select Extract is produced from the whole aromatic seeds of Elettaria cardamomum, an herbaceous, leafy plant that is native to India and Sri Lanka. The CO2 is produced in Germany using seeds harvested in India.
This lovely aromatic CO2 extract is pale-medium yellow in color and is fluid at room temperature. It offers a longer shelf life than does Cardamom Essential Oil because the production of the essential oil exposes the oil to a great deal of heat during production. The CO2 extraction process uses virtually no heat and thus allows for a longer shelf life. The CO2 extraction process is also able to better capture the heavier aromatic molecules that cannot be easily captured during essential oil distillation.
Aromatically, Cardamom CO2 Select Extract is a middle note that possesses a beautifully sweet, rounded, spicy, woody aroma. It does not have the sharpness that Cardamom Essential Oil tends to have. It blends especially well with extracts and essential oils that are in the wood, resin, floral, spice and citrus families.
Cardamom CO2 Select Extract is helpful in supporting a healthy digestive system, a healthy respiratory system and in supporting the nerves. Emotionally, it is an energizing and uplifting oil that is well suited for use in blends intended to reduce stress and anxiety. It is also widely used in perfumery applications. In India, it is considered to be an aphrodisiac.
Essential Oil Safety Edition 2 by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young recommend avoiding use of Cardamom Essential Oil on or near the face of babies and children due to the composition of cineole. Since the Cardamom CO2 Select Extract contains approximately the same amount of cineole as the essential oil, this recommendation should also hold true for the CO2 Select as well.
*Typical Shelf Life begins on the date of manufacture and is defined as the typical shelf life of an ingredient when it is stored and handled properly. The Typical Shelf Life is offered as a general guideline. It should not be considered to be an expiration date. Many ingredients are usable beyond the stated date, especially when stored and handled very carefully.
