Comparative Studies of Drying Methods on Yield and Composition of the Essential Oil ofCymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass is a plant having large applications in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and perfumery industry. It has a characteristic flavour of lemon and, because of that; it is commonly designated as lemongrass. Its characteristic flavour is due to its composition, especially citral that presents great importance to the industry. The effect of drying methods viz. hot air drying, microwave drying and sun drying on yield of essential oil and composition of essential oil was evaluated. The hot air drying was done at 40, 50 and 60oC and microwave drying was applied in four pulse combinations at power level of 900 W. The maximum essential oil yield was obtained in sun dried sample (2.50 %) that was very near to the fresh sample (2.52 %). All drying treatments showed no significant difference for the main components (Citral a and Citral b) of the essential oil obtained from lemon grass, when compared to the fresh sample.