The soapnut is the dried husk or dried shell of a soapberry. They are apart of the Sapindaceae family of trees. The soapberry thrives in tropical conditions. The soapberry tree can be found in Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia.The soapberry tree is high value timber and in countries like South America where overforestation is prevalent the trees have become extremely scarce. Despite being called a nut the soap nut is in fact a berry so people with nut allergies are safe from a reaction.[1][2][3]
-
Soapberry tree sapling at Chirapa Manta
-
Soapberry husk
-
Soapberry nut
What Can a Soap Nut do[edit | edit source]
Within a soapnut lies a soaping agent, Saponin. The Saponin is activated when placed in warm water it then soaps and gets sudsy like a store bought detergent would. it is a natural way to create a soaping affect. They ca be reused many times until the shells lose their color they turn grey and soft after this they can be composted. Soap Nuts are non-toxic and also biodegradable. Along with being beneficial to the environment they are very gentle and are good for people who have sensitive skin. Soap nuts are multi-purpose and can be used for multiple functions throughout the house: laundry, dish-washing, fruit and vegetable wash, car wash, etc.. Soap nuts are a good alternative to other green detergents because they produce less waste (no plastic packaging). Additionally, growing soap nuts does not require pesticides because Saponin does not taste good to insects so it is even safer for a household.[4]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Gomez, Martin. (2019, July).personal interview.
- ↑ LaVolpe, N. (2017, October 19). What the Heck are Soap Nuts. In farmersalmanac.com. Retrieved from https://www.farmersalmanac.com/what-the-heck-are-soap-nuts-24308
- ↑ Menzel, C. (2003). FRUITS OF TROPICAL CLIMATES | Fruits of the Sapindaceae. In sciencedircet.com. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/soapberry
- ↑ LaVolpe, N. (2017, October 19). What the Heck are Soap Nuts. In farmersalmanac.com. Retrieved from https://www.farmersalmanac.com/what-the-heck-are-soap-nuts-24308
