Abstract: The invention is a method for making improved citrus aqueous essences by a fractionation process wherein citrus aqueous essence is first passed through a solid adsorbent so that part of the essence compounds exit the adsorbent in a first effluent and part remain on the adsorbent, and then at least part of the first effluent is recycled through the adsorbent to recover a fraction of the remaining compounds and produce a second effluent.

Abstract: The present invention is concentrated orange flavor and aroma compositions prepared by the extraction of organic orange flavor and aroma compounds by a dense solvent gas. The compositions are characterized by high concentrations of ethyl butyrate (at least about 0.50%) and valencene (at least about 5%), and a low concentration of decanal (less than about 0.35%). They are prepared by a process comprising the steps of: (a) contacting organic orange flavor and aroma compounds with a solvent gas having a temperature between its critical temperature and about 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.), and having a reduced pressure between about 0.56 and about 1.31, to extract flavor and aroma compounds the majority of which have a molecular weight less than or equal to that of limonene; (b) separating the solvent gas and dissolved compounds from the remaining undissolved compounds; and (c) separating the dissolved compounds from the solvent gas.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the production of citrus flavor and aroma compositions comprising the steps of: (a) contacting organic citrus flavor and aroma compounds with a solvent gas having a temperature between its critical temperature and about 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.), and having a reduced pressure between about 0.56 and about 1.31, to extract flavor and aroma compounds the majority of which have a molecular weight less than or equal to that of limonene; (b) separating the solvent gas and dissolved compounds from the remaining undissolved compounds; and (c) separarting the dissolved compounds from the solvent gas. This process produces an extract which is enriched in the desirable lower molecular weight flavor and aroma compounds and decreased in concentration in the undersirable higher molecular weight flavor and aroma compounds which could impart off-flavors.