part of: Zero Waste Protocol | pay per ounce
Packaging: [unbleached kraft paper bag] placed inside: [cotton drawstring 4x6 inch pouch]
 
Despite it's name, this is in fact a berry! They call it a soap nut since it forms a hard shell when dry that resembles a nut. Sapindus mukorossi shells contain saponin, a natural detergent, a natural surfactant. The soap nut shells release saponins when they come in contact with water, which then circulates and acts as a natural surfactant in the wash water, freeing dirt, grime, and oils from clothing. These are 100% organic, deseeded soap nuts that can be used as an environmentally friendly detergent or even as an all-purpose household cleaner. The variety of ways this berry can be used is much more extensive than the two mentioned above! 
 
The trees upon which these berries grow are native to India and Nepal. There is a similar tree referred to as the Western Soapberry, but the berries are not cultivated commercially. The Western Soapberry trees are commonly associated with producing poisonous berries to most landowners. If only they knew! These soap nuts have become a popular environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detergent. Sapindus mukorossi is a gentle option for those with allergies to chemicals in regular detergents. It is generally considered safe for use on septic and greywater systems. There is considerable discussion as to what variety of soap nuts is preferable for use as a laundry soap alternative. Any soap nut from the genus Sapindus will work just fine as they all have saponin producing properties. We suggest running a test batch and washing a few articles of clothing before committing to an entire load as natural variation in saponin levels may occur. 
 
Depending on the size and efficacy of the shells, four to six shells (but possibly more for smaller pieces) will be enough for a full load. Place the soap nuts in a cotton muslin bag and tie securely shut. There will be little to no bubbles during the wash cycle. This doesn’t detract from their ability to clean. Wash water may smell slightly of apple cider vinegar, but upon final rinse, the textiles won't have any smell, but rather just smell like... well, textiles. If fragrance is preferred, organic essential oils can be added to the muslin bag. Soap nuts can be re-used several times before they start to disintegrate. It is time to compost the shells when they start to look quite mushy. Soap nuts can be used for anything you would normally use detergent for, such as washing the car or clothing. They can also be used as a base for shampoos and hand lotions or as an all-purpose cleaner around the home. Jewelers in India and Indonesia have used the shells to remove tarnish from jewelry for many centuries.