Annatto Seed Infusion
Annatto Infusion 24 hours later-(after a good shake)much more orangeyb and less translucent
I moved the infusion to a much smaller jar-don't you love this little mason jar-it's perfect!
I did a bit of asking around about the best way to get a nice happy orange. Orange is not an easy color to obtain if you don't use an artificial means. I have used Carrots in the past and gotten a very nice orange only to have it fade into a muddy darkish orange. I feel like most of the natural options will fade to some extent-that's just the nature of the beast I guess. Anyway, one of the examples I saw along my research journey was infused Annatto seed-it was a lovely happy orange, so I decided to give it whirl. Annatto Seed is often used in Mexican and Caribbean food to impart a rich yellow orange color-as a substitute for the pricey Saffron.
From what I understand the Annatto powder will give you speckles, so if you want to avoid those you need to infuse. I had a small sample of Annatto Seed from Bramble Berry so I'm going to check this whole thing out. I just started this infusion not even an hour ago at the time of this photograph and already I'm seeing results. My research turned up a 1% rate of usage if you are wanting to give this a try. Let me know how it works for you if you do, and I'll be reporting my results too.
13 comments:
I used annato seed and had very good result, best part, the color does not fades with time. I also infused annato seed with chamomile & calendula. It turns out a beautiful golden orange. If you'd like to see picture of the soap, I can email it to you :)
I've used annatto powder, added into my lye water, and have had no issues with speckles. If it does clump you can always strain these out, when pouring it into the oil solution.
I've also mixed it with water in a jug, added some soap batter and mixed again, before pouring it back into my soap pot. So far, I've had no issues with speckles...,
@Jessie-Great news about the color not fading-it is my experience that over time most herbs/natural colors do fade(maybe Annatto is an exception.)
@ Helen-Thanks for the feedback about using powder-it's good to know that is a viable option(and I won't get speckles.)Sounds like you have much experience with it-thank you for your kind input.
@ Jessie-I love to infuse Chamomile and Calendula-the scent is AMAZING. I love to use in an olive oil base for a very nice lotion. Yum-it's heavenly for your skin.
I got a really nice orange, with paprika powder. I make an infusion with paprika powder and oliveoil. And take the oil for the soap.
look at here:
http://miniseifen.blogspot.co.at/2013/04/paprikaauszug.html
And please sorry, my english ist really terrible!!! :(
@ Mini-oh how beautiful your sun and moon soap is. That color is just gorgeous. Are you having any fading of the color?
Thank you so much for sharing. I may have to try that next-so very pretty.
No, there was no fading. But my soap stored in a dresser.
@ Mini-ahhhh,I see. That seems to be key to maintaining the color-keeping it out of the light particularly the sunlight.
But i think paprikainfusion in soap keeps the colour quite good.
@ Mini- That would be wonderful! I am certainly putting it on my list to try.I have another soap that I am thinking will be great for Fall and that color would be perfect. Thank you, thank you for your input.
I really appreciate all of you that have given feedback.
I am glad to help you.
You are a great inspiration for me.
I used annatto seed powder in the lye water and also at trace. Get a nice orange, no speckles and it lasts!! Look forward to seeing yours! xo Jen
@ Jen,hey thanks so much for your input.I know you are an expert at the herbal colors. So happy to hear that it won't fade-carrot does and it's not pretty.
Glad you stopped by-miss you!
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