Saponification.......

Saponification: A process that produces soap

I love that word. It sounds so cool . I just wanted to give everyone a little update on last weeks post about the documentary "Chemerical"

Last weekend I went out and purchased the supplies to make the "Chemerical" laundry detergent. The total cost to set up this little experiment was $15.00- including the 5 gallon bucket to store it in. Everything ( excluding the bucket) could be purchased at my local supermarket. So all I needed was Washing Soda, Borax, and a natural soap- in this case I used Kirk's Castille.

The kids helped make the soap so it took a total of about 15 minutes
You should know that the mixture needs to set for 24 hours before you use it so that it  can gel.

 Left over supplies - enough for two more batches

For the recipe, check out:

http://www.chemicalnation.com/downloads/chemerical-cookbook-sample.pdf

 If I calculated correctly each batch would make 130 loads - conservatively - if you are using 1/4 cup per load. So for my $15.00 investment I can do 390 loads of laundry. I can tell you that if you buy T*** laundry detergent you will pay $19.99 for 96 loads. So if you are looking to be friendlier to the planet, friendlier to your self  health wise or just want to save some money this seems like the way to go.




So I am talking about saponification and I think Quinoa? The mother grain of the Incans?Yes, because Quinoa has naturally occuring saponin/ a soap like resin on it's seed coat . Kinda cool. The saponin actually prevents bugs and birds from eating it! This is why you must wash/ rinse quinoa before you cook with it.

So what do you do with quinoa? Well you can make salads from it or use it as a side dish similar to rice or couscous. You can also make lettuce wraps like we did this week in the picture below. Romaine lettuce boats with quinoa, black beans, tomato, onion, salsa, sour cream, and balsamic dressing for those avoiding the sour cream. What is also great is that Quinoa  is a complete protein ( the only grain that I am aware is) so if you are vegetarian on vegan this is a great source.

 



So that was my update! I hope you enjoyed! If you have any comments or information you would like to share on this topic please do  so at the bottom of this page. Thanks!