STUDIES ON THE STORAGE QUALITY OF CO2-EXTRACTED CARDAMOM AND CLOVE BUD OILS

Studies on the storage quality of supercritical carbon dioxide extract ed cardamon (Elettera cardamomum Maton) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) bud oils were carried out and the results compared with the quali ty of commercially steam distilled oils. It was observed that chemical composition of the oils changed during 90 days of storage. Compositio nal variations were remarkable in the CO2-extracted oils. Changes in t he clove bud oil composition were comparatively less prominent than in the cardamom oil. The class of components that underwent quantitive r eduction was the terpene hydrocarbons in both oils, whereas the other components showed varying responses at low and ambient temperatures of storage.