The sapindus mukorossi
The “Sapindus Mukorossi », the tree that makes the best quality soap, grows on the foothills of the Himalayas.
It can be found in India, Pakistan and Nepal, at an altitude of between 1500m and 2200m.
This fruit is also known under the generic name of Ritha in hindi or « soap nut » which includes several other varieties which are less efficient.
The local populations have long been using it as a washing and cleaning product.
Natural product and modern washing machines
The harvest is annual, from September to November. Each fruit has the form of a nut, the skin of which contains a natural soap substance, saponin.
In contact with lukewarm water, the saponin dissolves, turning into a soapy solution.
The rotating technique of modern washing machines is ideally suited for ANTALAVA pre-dosed packages of soapnut.