CO₂ extraction – a versatile processing tool

CO₂ extraction – a versatile processing tool

CO₂ can be used as a solvent for the extraction of mainly non polar substances. Beneficial for brewers is a CO₂ hop extract with all essentials from hop cones for the brewing process: α-acids for bitterness and microbiological protection as well as aroma oil for the different kinds of hop taste and hop flavour in beer. The yields of these components are remarkably high, e. g. some 95 % α-acids be found in hop cones are recovered in the extract if the extraction parameters are chosen properly. By a stepwise reduction of the separation pressure fractions of the extract with different composition can be achieved. One fraction contains less aroma oil but higher content of α-acids, the other contains less α-acids but higher oil concentration.

Want to read more? Download the full paper.