Which method of obtaining volatile oil uses a device with sharp projections to roll the specimen?

• A. Écuelle à piquer
• B. Enzymatic Action
• C. Enfleurage
• D. Distillation

Answer: (A)

Mechanical rupture of plant tissue releases volatile oils more effectively than simply heating or soaking. In this method, a vessel called Écuelle à piquer uses a device with sharp projections to roll the specimen and pierce its cells, breaking them to release the oils. This targeted pricking increases surface area and frees oils quickly, which is especially helpful for delicate flowers where crushing would alter or degrade the aroma. The other methods rely on steam distillation, fat absorption (enfleurage), or enzymatic breakdown, none of which use a device with sharp projections to roll the plant material. So, the technique described is Écuelle à piquer.