Re: Re: rancid oils..storage of raw materials...crushing ambrette seeds?

[Guest guest]

>I was wondering that as well in general about costus root, tonka beans and so

>on. Maybe we could get a little feedback how others store their raw materials.

>Are you tincturing them in alcohol or macerating-infusing in oil?

>My batch of ambrette in oil is quite weak and was wondering if I needed to

crush

>more of a % of the seeds.

>If you or others have any tips it would be much appreciated.

It seems to me that quantity and time are big factors. I suggest adding more

crushed seeds,

then wait for a few weeks and check again. It may take quite a while. I tend

to strain the

old after a given amount of time, then infuse fresh materials into the already

infused oil.

Tough, woody things may take longer to give up their all than delicate leaves

and flowers.

It is probably ok with these to simply add more. Spoilage is a factor which must

be watched

when infusing oils, as well.

To add to this query, has anyone here a truly strong electric grinder? I have

a marvelous little machine designed to grind seeds and nuts, but some of what I

wish to grind is rather large and literally rock-hard. These few things are very

rough

on my little machine. Do any of you have a heavier-duty apparatus, and if so,

what is it?

Dara

[Guest guest]

Hi Adam and thanks for your note!

The little machine I have is a burr grinder, a Cuisinart (which cost a small

fraction of your Mazzer!),

but it's made for grinding coffee beans and small spices, not for big rock-hard

roots. I adore it - it's been one tough

little thing and has handled almost everything I've put into it - but I am still

searching for something to handle bigger

chunks of very hard material. I'll do more research into burr grinders as you

mentioned, perhaps there is a level up

from mine in ferocity and strength, which can deal with the roots I have in

mind.

All the best,

Dara

[Guest guest]

hello,

> While I do not have one of these, I know folks (herbalists) who do; they

> are designed for roots, seeds, twigs, etc. These grinders are a serious

> investment -- even wholesale, it's going to be costly.

>

http://www.shamanshop.net/store/proddetail.cfm/ItemID/711834.0/CategoryID/11000.\

0/SubCatID/870.0/file.htm

i have a mazzer mini too, fantastic machine. but i wouldn't use it for

anything other than coffee beans!

i saw a very old movie clip with vincent roubert working in the coty

factory (check it out:

http://1000fragrances.blogspot.com/2009/12/rare-coty-perfume-movie.html)

and they used a neat device to grind something that looks like vanilla pods.

for ambrette seeds, i have used a simple mortar and pestle with succes.

best,

guido.

[Guest guest]

wrote:

>While I do not have one of these, I know folks (herbalists) who do; they

> are designed for roots, seeds, twigs, etc. These grinders are a serious

> investment -- even wholesale, it's going to be costly.

>

http://www.shamanshop.net/store/proddetail.cfm/ItemID/711834.0/CategoryID/11000.\

0/SubCatID/870.0/file.htm

Shamanshop does not appear to have a wholesale option,

but I will call to inquire; this is something I will need to purchase

from a wholesaler. Thanks again .

Dara

[Guest guest]

Sure looks like a super duper Cuisinart. <g>

>

>http://www.shamanshop.net/store/proddetail.cfm/ItemID/711834.0/CategoryID/11000\

..0/SubCatID/870.0/file.htm

[Guest guest]

>

>

> > http://1000fragrances.blogspot.com/2009/12/rare-coty-perfume-movie.html)

>

> Yikes! Did you see the size of the piece of ambergris he pulled out and

chipped off? Amazing!

>

> _Wow! .

>

>

Wow! That was truly amazing!!!

Annie