We want to build a still unit for a more efficient extraction of essential oils from our plants. We also want to use the heat from the still to dry plants, improving our drying unit.
Until now we've been using a small copper still for oil extraction.
Our project consists of building a facility for the oil extraction from the herbs. There, we'll have a boiler that will provide the heat for both the still we already have in place and a new one that will be installed.
On top of this facility we'll install a new place to dry the plants, using the hot water that comes from the still to warm it up, getting a more efficient drying the plants.
Until now the drying has been made in a small greenhouse, but this process will allow for a faster process, aiming for better quality and greater volumes.
On the other hand, the greater efficiency allows for a better use of the heat generated for the oil extraction. It will also allow for a more confortable handling of the process.
Wood from fallen branches and trees in the area surrounding the farm will be the fuel for this operation, contributing to avoid forest fires.
An old structure will be rehabilitated for this project.
Alfazema
About the author
Mimos de Arnóia is an organic farm producing mainly dried herbs and essential oils and edible flowers.
We've been operating for the last 14 years in a 10 acres farm in Celorico de Basto in the northeast of Portugal.
We've around 0,2 acres of greenhouses.
We produce mainly lavender and roses, but we have a great variety of other herbs and edible flowers. We have a very diverse system which makes it more sustainable and resilient. It is also very charming.
We also produce eucalyptus oils from the forest around.
We have 4 hives, 2 donkeys and a lot of hens. All the animals are from heritage breeds.
Besides the herbs and edible flowers we also have a big garden for our needs and from which we sell some surplus at a local market.
We produce some corn for bread and for the hens and some ohter grains.
Isabel Teixeira is the soul of this project that comes together trough the collaboration of many different people.
Budget and due dates
Construction site for distillation:
Materials (cement, sand, tubes, ...): 650 €
Labor: 750 €
Still € 700
Drying Area
Materials (wood, pavement, ...): 350 €
Labor: 250 €
The goal is to have everything ready by the end of November to start distillation of eucalyptus in November/December, which will test the entire system so that in the spring of 2016, everything is up and running for the lavender campaign and roses.
If we exceed the goal we intend to acquire more beehives to join the four we have on site.
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