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Testing
Frontier uses the most up-to-date testing methodology to ensure our products have the highest quality. Here are just some of the measures we take to provide you with the best natural products available:
HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography)
Measures active constituent levels in herbs.
GC (gas chromatography) and MS (Mass Spectrometry)
Identifies and quantifies volatile components in essential oils.
Microanalysis
Reveals cellular structure of plants to determine identity and adulteration.
Microbiological Testing
Tests levels of yeast, mold and bacterial pathogens.
Organoleptic Testing
Taste, smell and sight tests determine quality and screen out adulterated product.
Aromatherapy Testing
We perform a variety of tests on our essential oils to ensure purity and quality. In addition to gas chromatography (GC), we utilize tests for specific gravity, optical rotation, refractive index and sensory analysis. Each essential oil has a particular weight, a direction and degree in which light rays bend when passing through the oil, and a speed at which light is refracted. Any deviation from these established standards may indicate adulteration. We are working to improve quality by growing several varieties of aromatherapy herbs at our Iowa Organic Research Farm, distilling them on-site, testing them and using the results to create a stronger profile of knowledge about oils. We also have experts with trained noses to determine quality and to detect inconsistencies. All this adds up to the most extensive aromatherapy testing facility in the U.S.
NO IRRADIATION
Frontier does not sell any products or use any ingredients that have been sterilized by irradiation.
CO2 FUMIGATION
Used for insect control in herbs and spices, enables us to avoid the use of chemicals or radiation.
CRYOGENIC GRINDING
We grind most of our herbs and spices in-house with cryogenic grinding. Raw materials are ground at temperatures below -20 degrees Fahrenheit to protect volatile components. Normal grinding temperatures can reach 200 degrees, damaging heat-sensitive components. Our research shows that cryogenic grinding delivers up to 22% higher levels of active constituents.
IDEAL STORAGE CONDITIONS
Our herb and spice warehouse in Norway, Iowa, is kept at a maximum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% relative humidity. These are ideal storage conditions for maintaining the quality of raw botanicals. The higher the temperature, the faster the volatilization and degradation of the plant materials.
FRESHNESS DATING
We always use freshness-dating where applicable to help ensure our products are used at the peak of their freshness.
Highly Qualified Staff
Ravin Donald, Ph.D. Vice President of Quality Assurance and Research and Development Denys Charles, Ph.D. Director of Research
Plus a staff of highly trained Technicians