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leek oil

Leek oil is a sulfurous, alliaceous flavoring extracted from Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum, used primarily to impart garlic, leek, and onion notes.

General Material Description

Leek oil is an essential oil derived from Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum, commonly known as leek. This oil exhibits a characteristic sulfurous and alliaceous odor and flavor reminiscent of onion and garlic. Known also by synonyms such as allium porum oil and Leek, ext., it is valued for its natural flavoring properties in culinary applications. The oil is typically obtained through extraction processes that preserve its unique organoleptic profile. Its molecular constituents contribute to the strong, sulfur-containing aroma and taste, aligning with other members of the allium family. Detailed chemical information and standardized vocabulary for leek oil are available via public chemical databases like PubChem.

Occurrence, Applicability & Potential Uses

Leek oil occurs naturally in the leek plant, Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum, part of the allium botanical family which also includes garlic and onion. It is employed primarily as a flavoring agent to impart sulfurous and alliaceous notes characteristic of these vegetables. Such use is common in enhancing flavors in food products where a natural garlic, leek, or onion profile is desired. The oil’s application in flavoring aligns with guidelines established by FEMA (US), which governs flavoring substances to ensure appropriate use levels and safety. Its strong character makes it suitable for low-concentration inclusion to provide pungent, savory sensory attributes without overpowering the overall formulation.

Physico-Chemical Properties Summary

Leek oil is characterized by a pronounced sulfurous and alliaceous aroma profile, primarily due to organosulfur compounds inherent in the allium family. Its volatile constituents confer a pungent sensory impression identifiable at low concentrations. The oil's physicochemical properties influence its handling and formulation compatibility; it is generally soluble in organic solvents such as propylene glycol, as demonstrated at 0.10% concentrations for sensory assessment. Stability considerations relate to its sulfur-containing compounds, which may be sensitive to oxidation or degradation under certain conditions. These factors affect its effective incorporation into flavor blends, requiring attention to solvent choice and storage environment to preserve sensory integrity.

FAQ

What is leek oil and what are its characteristic properties?
Leek oil is an essential oil extracted from the leek plant, Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum. It exhibits a sulfurous, alliaceous odor and flavor profile similar to other allium species such as garlic and onion. The oil contains volatile sulfur compounds responsible for its pungent, savory sensory qualities, which are used primarily in flavoring applications to replicate or enhance these characteristic tastes.
How is leek oil used and where does it typically occur naturally?
Leek oil naturally occurs in the leek plant, from which it is extracted for use mainly as a flavoring agent. It is employed in food products to impart garlic, onion, or leek flavors, allowing for natural and concentrated aromatic additions. The oil’s natural origin and distinctive organoleptic properties make it suitable for culinary formulations requiring alliaceous notes.
Is leek oil regulated and what safety information is available regarding its use?
Leek oil's use in flavoring falls under regulations such as FEMA (US), which provides guidance on usage levels and safety assessment. Currently, there are no specific hazard classifications or precautionary statements assigned under OSHA’s Globally Harmonized System, and toxicity data remain to be fully determined. Usage recommendations specify leek oil is suitable only for flavoring, not for fragrance applications. Several authoritative databases provide additional safety data, reflecting its recognized status as a natural flavor ingredient.

US / EU / FDA / JECFA / FEMA / Scholar / Patents

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Other Information

FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):View
Export Tariff Code:3301.29.6000
Wikipedia:View
FAO:BASIC PRINCIPLES OF STEAM DISTILLATION

General Material Information

Preferred name leek oil
Trivial Name Leek, ext.
Short Description allium ampeloprasum var. porrum oil
CAS Number 84650-15-7
ECHA Number 283-496-3
FDA UNII Search
FDA Mainterm 977089-43-2 ; LEEK OIL
Synonyms
  • allium ampeloprasum var. porrum oil
  • allium porum oil
  • Leek, ext.
  • Allium porrum ext.

PhysChem Properties

Material listed in food chemical codex No

Organoleptic Properties

Odor Type: Sulfurous
sulfurous, alliaceous, onion
General comment At 0.10 % in propylene glycol. sulfurous alliaceous onion
Flavor Type: Alliaceous
sulfurous, alliaceous, leek
General comment Sulfurous alliaceous leek

Occurrences

Potential Uses

Applications
Flavoring purposes Garlic , Leek , Onion

Safety Information

Safety information

Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavoring agents
Recommendation for leek oil usage levels up to:
not for fragrance use.

Safety references

Daily Med:search
EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data
EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data
WGK Germany:1
allium porum oil
Chemidplus:0084650157