Cubeb Oleoresin

#### Cubeb Oleoresin. **Cubeb Oleoresin **is a prepared oleoresin for flavor use. It is produced from the dried, unripe, coarsely powdered cubeb fruit (see **Cubeb Oil**) by extraction with a hydrocarbon solvent or with ethyl alcohol. According to the definition in Part One of this book, the alcohol extract is a **Resin**** ****Absolute**. In pharmaceutical terms it is an extract of unusually high essential oil content. Alcohol is usually preferred as a solvent since it is quite difficult to remove the solvent quantitatively— even under good vacuum. The extract is used in flavors and should not have any trace of hydrocarbon solvent. Prolonged exposure to heat and reduced pressure will inevitably cause a loss of aromatic components of the oil in the extract. **Cubeb**** ****Oleoresin**** **is produced almost exclusively in Europe (particularly in England) and in the U.S.A. The most recently developed extraction methods are applied to cubeb (and other spices) in Grasse factories. This includes the **Ultrasonic**** **extraction method, see **Ultrasonic**** ****Extracts**, Part One of this book. When alcohol is used as a menstruum for the extraction of cubeb fruits, the resulting oleoresin will be free from waxes and fatty oils. Upon standing for 24 hours this alcohol extract will deposit a crystalline mass and some waxes. The crystalline mass consists mainly of cubebin, a bitter principle. A clear, viscous oleoresin in then obtained by draining the extract through a funnel with absorbent cotton. The cubebin and the waxy deposit are of no value to the flavorist. Good alcohol-oleoresins of cubeb are accordingly clear, homogeneous and viscous liquids. Hydrocarbon extracts tend to deposit very slowly a grainy, waxy substance. The odor of **Cubeb Oleoresin **is warm-spicy, peppery-camphoraceous with a rich, herbaceous undertone. The flavor is equally warm and spicy, peppery but not very pungent. Hydrocarbon solvent extracted oleoresins are usually bitter of taste. The oleoresin produces slowly a burning mouthfeel. It is primarily a flavor material and it finds some application in spice blends for pickles, meat sauces, etc. It is also used in certain countries for the flavoring of shag (pipe) tobacco along with many other flavor ingredients. **Cubeb Oleoresin **is not produced on a large scale but it seems to be available in sufficient quantities as to cover the small demand. The main constituent of cubeb oleoresin is **Cubeb Oil**** **which is present to the amount of 50 to 55% (see monograph on **Cubeb Oil**). The oleoresin blends well with oleoresin of black pepper, clove, allspice etc. in combination spice blends. It has little or no use in perfumery.