The aim of this research was to evaluate the samples preparation form and methods of analysis to determinate the essential oil content in 'Siciliano' and 'Eureka' lemon fruits. The better sample form was determinated using the fresh and mature fruit, as following: analysis of full fruits, fruits cut in longitudinal way and analysis of ¹/4 of this one, fruits cut in longitudinal way and analysis of the half, fruits cut in the middle and superior part analysis, fruits cut in the middle and inferior part analysis and ²/8 of fruits analysis. The treatments were evaluated by a completely randomized experimental design, in a factorial scheme 2x2x6, with four replications. It was concluded that the Clevenger method was more efficient on the determination of the oil content, and the fruits cut in the ½ inferior, ½ superior, ¼ longitudinal and ½ longitudinal way provided superior values of essential oil content.
Citru limon; lemon; essential oil
