GENUS Sapindus

Soapberry Tree
Soapnut Tree

Nuts have Saponin (detergent)
Saponin used in shampoos

2008.07.05
Species Sapindus Utilis
Experimental Farm, Chico, Ca

2008.07.05
Species Sapindus.Utilis
Experimental Farm, Chico, Ca

2010.FEB.12
Species Sapindus.Utilis
Experimental Farm, Chico, Ca

2010.FEB.12
Soap nut

Picked a couple of seeds off the ground...
Outer flesh is easily broken with a fingernail.
Outer flesh tastes bitter with vinegar. Quite juicy.
Feels slippery, sticky between the fingers. The juice of the outer flesh would make a good soap.
These things can not even by handled without getting your hands all sticky. It easily washes off in water, and at the same time cleans quite well.

Inside the drupe lies a coal-black nut inside, that is absolutely delicious. It is mild, like a grey pine nut, and almost as flavorful. The seed does not shatter as a grey pine nut, but still is very hard.

I hope there is nothing toxic about these nuts. It would be a shame; They taste so good. Usually, as we walk through the woods, my brother would lead the way, and pass back tidbits for sampling. That is because my younger brother knows all about plants; What is poisonous and what is not. Today, unfortunately, he is not here. Actually, that may be a good thing too. He has passed back a lot of stuff that, after I have eaten it, has calmly commented: "By the way, that last one is poisonous."

RULERMAR