A study of solid-liquid extractive techniques and an innovative solid-liquid extraction technology using the Naviglio Extractor

Abstract

This document is a review on solid-liquid extractive techniques and describes an innovative solid-liquid
extraction technology using the Naviglio Extractor®
. Also explained is an application for the production of
alcoholic extract from lemon peel. The alcoholic extract, mixed with a sugar and water solution in the right
proportions is used to make a well known Italian lemon liquor commonly named "limoncello". Lemon liquor is
obtained utilizing the Naviglio Extractor®
; the procedure used is fast and efficient and uses about half the weight
of lemon peel per volume of ethyl alcohol used for the extraction of the odorous and taste responsible
compounds, compared to the commonly used extraction procedures. To test the consumer’s preference and
compare the taste of the liquor obtained with that obtained by peel maceration from the same lot of lemons and
obtained using the traditional recipe, a consumer test has been carried out. One hundred people, chosen from
among frequent consumers of limoncello, tasted the two lemon liquors, and evaluated intensity of aroma,
colour, alcohol taste and sweetness. In about 81% of the preferences, the liquor obtained using the Naviglio
Extractor®
was preferred. The extraction process used allows the ethanol from used up lemon peel to be totally
recovered so that these can be disposed of as non toxic waste or used in agriculture or as cattle feed.