JSFiddle - React, Tailwind, and code Playground

JavaScript

var load_types = 'Some text \
<!-- \
<option value="HVAC">HVAC</option> \
<option value="Cooling">|---Cooling</option> \
<option value="Heating">|---Heating</option> \
--> \
Some text';

var div = $("<div>").html(load_types),
    comment = div.contents().filter(function() {
        return this.nodeType === 8;
    }).get(0);

console.log(comment.nodeValue);