These wonderful tree’s grow in tropical regions around the world, but are most common in the Himalayas.
The tree blooms with small white flowers through summer, these flowers will slowly form into berries towards the end of summer. Through the winter season, the soapberries ripen and fall to the ground, where they are collected and dried in the sun.
The name Sapindus originates from the Latin word Sapo, meaning soap!
Soapberries have a variety of uses, but are most widely used for laundry and cleaning. Naturally zero waste and chemical free, they make an excellent alternative to mainstream laundry detergent.
Furthermore, these wonderful little berries can also be used throughout your home as a household cleaner, shampoo, hand wash, and even shaving foam.
Soapberries are incredibly effective, gentle to our environment and our skin. Ideal for sensitive skin, off grid living and travel. So, if you are looking for a natural, environmentally friendly laundry detergent, soapberries are the perfect option.
Dried soapberry shell’s are full of a substance called ‘Saponins’ which is a natural soap. When agitated in water, the Saponins reduce the surface tension of water, releasing dirt and grime from fabrics and surfaces.
These shells have a minimal scent, that’s ideal for sensitive skin. However, if you would like to add a beautiful aroma, why not add your favourite essential oils to your washing or soapberry liquid.
Soapberries can be used for washing your clothes and other fabrics in either hot or cold water.
Cold water works just fine, but warm water draws more soap out of the berries. So if you have a particularly dirty load, we recommend using a higher temperature on your machine.
How to use:
Our soapberries are sourced from That Red House and harvested from wild trees in the pristine Himalayan mountains of Nepal, by small local communities.
Growers and harvesters are well cared for, and set their own wages to ensure they are happy with their working conditions and salaries. The building is almost brand new, clean and comfortable for all staff, and is run entirely on solar power!
That Red House is a 100% Australian owned company, and their Soapberries are the only ones on the market that are ‘Certified Organic’ by the USDA; one of the world’s leading certification organisations. Their conditions are strict and inspections are frequent to ensure the best standards and conditions are met by growers, harvesters and packers.
Furthermore, That Red House donates a portion of money from the sale of every soapberry bag to Open Heart International. OHI, an Australian based charity that performs vital work in women’s health in Nepal.
Soapberries are such a versatile, natural alternative, you’ll be using them for all your cleaning in no time. Shop Now.
Do you have any questions, or tips to share? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Earth Turtle respectfully acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of our region, the Djabugay; Yirrganydji; Buluwai, Gimuy Walubara Yidinji; Mandingalbay Yidinji; Gunggandji; Dulabed and Malanbara Yidinji; Bundabarra and Wadjanbarra Yidinji; Wanyurr Majay; Mamu and NgadjonJii peoples.
We extend this respect to all elders past, present and future, and other First Peoples within our region. We also acknowledge the unique cultural heritage and ongoing connection to Country, and the importance of sharing and preserving this land for future generations.
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