06/01/2026
To successfully distill a delicate lilac hydrosol, you must extract the plant's water-soluble aromatic compounds at a gentle simmer, keeping your water/steam temperature in a target range 85C to 95C
Because lilacs are highly sensitive to heat and will quickly lose their fragrance, the extraction process requires a lower and much more controlled heat than traditional essential oil distillation.
Once your hydrosol is collected and cooled, proper storage is required to prevent it from spoiling.
πΏ
My first attempt wasnt bad - I realized I lost a lot of steam from the column and pot seams I shouldve sealed before starting. And I shouldve had a pack of ice nearby everytime I rewatered the condenser π€..also, I could probably use a better heading medium to maintain a proper heat range as what I collected seems a bit burnt?
And thanks to my ever supportive husband for letting me play again π¬ .ambientsteveboyd