This document is a review on solid-liquid extractive techniques and describes an innovative solid-liquid
extraction technology using the Naviglio Extractor®. Also explained is an application for the production
of alcoholic extract from lemon peel. The alcoholic extract, mixed with a sugar and water solution in the
right proportions is used to make a well known Italian lemon liquor commonly named "limoncello".
Lemon liquor is obtained utilizing the Naviglio Extractor®; the procedure used is fast and efficient and
uses about half the weight of lemon peel per volume of ethyl alcohol used for the extraction of the
odorous and taste responsible compounds, compared to the commonly used extraction procedures. To
test the consumer’s preference and compare the taste of the liquor obtained with that obtained by peel
maceration from the same lot of lemons and obtained using the traditional recipe, a consumer test has
been carried out. One hundred people, chosen from among frequent consumers of limoncello, tasted
the two lemon liquors, and evaluated intensity of aroma, colour, alcohol taste and sweetness. In about
81% of the preferences, the liquor obtained using the Naviglio Extractor® was preferred. The extraction
process used allows the ethanol from used up lemon peel to be totally recovered so that these can be
disposed of as non toxic waste or used in agriculture or as cattle feed
