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Litsea Cubeba Oil comes from the small pepper-like fruit of Litsea cubeba, a tree native to East and Southeast Asia. Farmers harvest the fruit, then distill it to extract a fragrant, clear to pale-yellow essential oil. Often called May Chang, this oil gives off a sharp, lemony scent thanks to a high concentration of citral and related compounds. Producers often look to Guangdong and Yunnan in China for dependable volume, driven by the region’s ideal climate and soil. Harvesting usually peaks toward the end of the rainy season, producing a crop rich in aromatic content and oil yield.
At its core, Litsea Cubeba Oil mainly contains citral as the dominant component, with smaller amounts of limonene, linalool, and other terpenes. Researchers give the chemical formula for citral as C10H16O. Each bottle of pure Litsea Cubeba Oil generally holds a blend of these related molecules. The oil’s molecular structure means that it carries strong volatility and packs noticeable antimicrobial activity—these features draw interest from chemical producers looking for plant-based solutions.
Litsea Cubeba Oil appears as a clear, free-flowing liquid at room temperature, never forming flakes, powder, or pearls in its raw state. You can spot it by a sharp, fresh aroma that lingers in the air long after opening a bottle. The solution runs with a typical density of about 0.870 to 0.890 g/cm³ at 25°C, slightly less than water. Any dilution reduces viscosity, keeping the material mobile and light compared to heavy plant oils. Usually packed in drums for bulk transport, the oil never crystalizes unless frozen well below typical storage temperatures.
Common specifications set minimum citral content above 70% for pure Litsea Cubeba Oil. Low water and residue content preserve quality for perfume, chemical synthesis, and food formulation. Regular testing screens for pesticides, heavy metals, and adulterants to meet food and fragrance safety standards. For customs and trade, the HS Code 3301.29 designates this oil as an essential oil other than mint oils. Businesses in the flavor and fragrance industry use this code for imports, exports, and regulatory compliance paperwork.
Producers use Litsea Cubeba Oil as a raw material for manufacturing vitamin A, perfumes, household cleaners, soaps, and some natural flavors. Its high citral content gives it a citrus kick that often substitutes for lemon oil in aromatherapy and flavor formulation. The oil’s antimicrobial action finds use in certain biocide blends. Handling pure oil demands caution: it can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs, especially when undiluted. Prolonged exposure causes sensitization in some users. Safety data sheets list the oil as hazardous, requiring gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation during bulk handling. Flammability remains a concern, so suppliers store drums away from ignition sources and sunlight.
Litsea cubeba trees do not thrive in over-fertilized or chemically saturated soils. Farmers keep acreage organic or low-chemical as possible to protect oil purity and long-term yields. Local cooperatives organize planting schedules to avoid overharvesting, which stresses trees and impacts fruit oil content. Natural pest controls—like intercropping with lemongrass or using neem oil—replace harsh treatments that taint the raw fruit. Water management stays important in the mountainous regions, preventing rot and soil loss during rainy season harvests.
The global market for Litsea Cubeba Oil depends on clean raw materials, stable rural economies, and responsible chemistry. Growers see increasing interest in certified organic oil for high-purity demands in health care and flavor industries. Producers now invest in complete waste management—distillation residue becomes compost or animal feed rather than landfill. Some groups partner with scientists to refine extraction techniques, cutting energy use while preserving citral concentration. Industry standards help trace batches from field to factory, ensuring quality and fair trade for communities raising the crop.
Litsea Cubeba Oil stands as a reliable resource in food, fragrance, and chemical manufacture, marked by its bright aroma and strong molecular properties. Keeping the supply chain clean, honest, and sustainable provides more than just good business; it sustains farmers, protects workers, and lends character to every liter produced. Improved transparency in safety data, fair prices at the farm gate, and continued research into better processing mark the way forward for this versatile plant extract.
West Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China
