Defatting technique for two ground spices using simple reflux apparatus: collaborative study

A solvent defatting technique was tested for 2 spices which require the same extraction process but different defatting agents. For turmeric, which uses isopropanol as the defatting agent, recoveries of rodent hair and insect fragments were not significantly different from those in the original collaborative study, and this technique is recommended as an alternative to AOAC method 44.122(a). However, for oregano, which uses chloroform as the defatting agent, recoveries of insect fragments were significantly lower by the reflux method. An alternative chloroform pretreatment for oregano, therefore, is not recommended for AOAC 44.122(b). It is suggested that reflux action defatting techniques be considered during the developmental stages of new methods. The technique has been adopted official first action for turmeric.