Citronella essential oils

Citronella essential oils are the yellow, aromatic oils distilled from lemon-scented tropical grasses of the Cymbopogon genus, above all C. nardus. Their chemistry centres on geraniol, citronellol, and citronellal, the trio behind the fresh lemon-rosy scent. The food industry uses them as flavourings, while perfumers, soap makers, and repellent manufacturers value them as aromatic and deodorizing agents. Quality hinges on proper distillation and storage — the volatile terpenes oxidize readily — and food-grade oils must meet purity specifications before they flavour anything destined for the table.