Sometimes referred to as Chinese “May Chang” oil based on the plant’s regional name, Litsea Cubeba Oil is steam-distilled from the tiny fruits of the eponymous Litsea cubeba tree. The oil’s citral content is very high, imparting an incredibly fresh and sweet aroma often compared to lemon oil. As the dry down process begins, litsea cubeba’s odor quickly becomes softened and fruity, with a uniform tenacity that lacks the fatty or grassy notes of similar oils such as lemongrass. Combined with its ability to be rectified for flavor use, litsea cubeba oil remains one of the most versatile ingredients of its type, capable of being added to everything from aerosol sprays to fruit candy flavorings.