Oleoresins

What Are Oleoresins?

Uplifting the scent and flavour of everyday products, oleoresins are natural plant extracts that combine the goodness of oils and resins into one. They are thick and concentrated extracts of various herbs and spices and are used for perfumery, cosmetics and flavouring. 

Unlike essential oils, oleoresins are processed using solvents like hexane, ethanol, alcohol, etc. Ground spices like cardamom, rosemary, garlic and even vanilla are added to these solvents to obtain a concentrated extract. After solvent extraction, these oils are further distilled to remove any impurities. This results in a clean oil that is free from any bacteria or microorganisms. 

They offer the same aromatic and flavouring properties as the spices they are extracted from. Hence, the food industry uses oleoresins in bulk and wholesale for culinary applications. This has led to a significant boom in market demand and the Fortune Business Insights report has predicted the industry value to reach USD 1.99 by 2029. 

10 common uses of oleoresins include:

• Natural alternative to food colouring and flavouring in chips, biscuits, cereals, dips, sauces etc.
• Enhancing the spice quotient of any perfume
• Adding bioactive compounds to natural cosmetics
• Additions in pharmaceutical and neutraceutical products
• Improving the taste and nutrient value of animal feed and animal snacks
• Adding colour and flavour to soups and broths
• Flavour ice-creams and other frozen desserts
• Manufacturing natural insect repellents
• Naturally dying textiles and paper
• Aroma additive to surface cleaning sprays

But why use oleoresin extracts when you can use direct spices? 

Well, firstly oleoresins in food industry are highly celebrated for their potency. This means a few drops are sufficient to add flavour vs the quantity of spices required to achieve the same intensity of flavour. Secondly, oleoresins have a longer shelf life and can be stored easily without affecting the quality of the product. You can also transport them easily from one place to another. There is less wastage compared to spices. 

If these two reasons are not sufficient for you, we’ve got a third one too. Oleoresins deliver a more uniform flavour compared to spices which makes them a life saviour for the food industry. Lastly, they dissolve much more easily than raw spices. 

To conclude, the key benefits of oleoresins are:

• Consistent taste
• Longer shelf life
• Clean and more hygienic 
• Better solubility
• Easy to store and transport
• Cost-effective

All these reasons combined have expanded the production and export of wholesale oleoresin extracts to North America, Europe as well as Australia. Aromachology Oils is a reputed manufacturer and exporter of spice oleoresins. We use the finest local spices of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka to process these extracts. 

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility can produce large quantities of various oleoresins in a short period. At Aromachology, we believe attention to detail is the secret to making great quality products, hence along with good quality spices, we also use high-grade suitable solvents for manufacturing oleoresins. We are purchasing the raw material at the source, and thus we can offer highly competitive prices. This creates opportunities for you to earn more profits on your products and grow your business. 

Aromachology’s extensive website will make it easy for you to order spice oleoresins online and get doorstep delivery with a reliable shipping partner like UPS or DHL. We keep customer satisfaction at the core of our business hence we are happy to provide you with samples of oleoresin and at the same time, we are fully equipped to supply large and bulk quantities. 

Types Of Oleoresins

Oleoresins are extracted from a wide variety of herbs and spices with some more common than others. The aroma and flavour of these extracts also vary depending on the region of origin and the scent profile of the oil. The most commonly used and available types are: 

1. Paprika oleoresin: It is extracted from dried and ground Capsicum annuum and is usually red to orange in colour. Paprika oleoresin is mostly used to add a smoky and somewhat spicy flavour to meat and poultry products. Capsanthin and capsorubin are some of the natural compounds present in it which make it a useful addition to the perfume industry as well. 
2. Turmeric oleoresin: Turmeric is one of the most used spices in South Asian cuisine, making its oleoresin to be a high-demand product as well. Curcumin - its bioactive compound is all the rage in the cosmetic and wellness industry these days. Turmeric oleoresin is mostly yellow to deep orange in colour and is also used as a natural dye. Other applications include Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and nutraceutical products, and is a great alternative to synthetic food colours. 
3. Rosemary oleoresin: Extracted from one of the most flavourful herbs, rosemary oleoresin is a thick and sticky oil from Rosmarinus officinalis. You will find it on the ingredient list of many Mediterranean snacks as well as on haircare products. It contains phenolic antioxidants that make it suitable for cosmetics and pharma manufacturing. You can also consider rosemary oleoresin to be a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants.
4. Ginger Oleoresin: Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, ginger oleoresin is nature’s gift for well-being. It is obtained from the roots of Zingiber officinale and contains natural active compounds like gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone. Ginger oleoresin has a warm, spicy and pungent aroma which makes it suitable for flavouring sauces, meat, dips etc. 
5. Vanilla oleoresin: A concentrated extract from the beans of pods of Vanilla planifolia or similar species is called vanilla oleoresin. This is what gives your favourite ice-creams, desserts, cookies, confectionery, etc. the warm and sweet flavour. Vanilla oleoresin is obtained by using solvents like ethanol or hexane and is then further distilled to eradicate any impurities. Its applications go beyond flavouring. Active compounds like vanillin and vanillic acid are responsible for its health benefits like mood-enhancer, antioxidants and anti-inflammation. Hence, herbalists use vanilla oleoresin for supplement manufacturing as well. Switch to a cleaner and more natural flavouring agent by choosing vanilla oleoresin for your manufacturing needs! 
6. Garlic oleoresin: It is extracted from the bulb of Allium sativum using solvents like ethanol or alcohol. Garlic oleoresin has a characteristic aroma and contains active compounds of the plant part. It is a highly sought-after ingredient in the food industry and is often used to add a pungent flavour to soups, broths, chips, dips, and other snacks. Additionally, you will also find it to be celebrated for its immunity and health-promoting properties. Garlic oleoresin is used in the pharma industry to manufacture products for fighting infections and heart issues. 
7. Cardamom oleoresin: A solvent extracted oil from the seeds of Elettaria cardamomum, cardamom oleoresin offers a burst of flavour for any industry. Its rich, warm and spicy aroma makes it suitable for beverages, perfumes as well as food products. Along with a great flavour, cardamom oleoresin also offers aromatherapy benefits. It serves as a good alternative to whole cardamom and offers a more stabilized taste. 

Difference Between Essential Oil And Oleoresin

While essential oil and oleoresin are both natural plant extracts, there are some significant differences between the two. Essential oils are obtained through steam distillation and mostly contain volatile and hydrophobic (which do not dissolve in water) plant compounds whereas oleoresins are extracted using solvents and contain volatile and non-volatile compounds along with some resin and pigments. 

The chemical composition of essential oils makes them suitable for aromatherapy and skin care applications. Oleoresins on the other hand are mostly obtained from spices and are used for food colouring and flavouring. Choosing between these two oils can be a tough decision. So, make sure you understand your requirements and the chemical composition of the oils before deciding. Hope these points gave you some clarity about the differences between the two.