Today begins our third day of using kitchen spices in soap by using curry powder, which is actually a blend of various spices. I was quite surprised when I learned that curry powder was a blend of spices as I had always thought that curry was a pepper like plant! This particular curry powder contains, turmeric, paprika, fenugreek, coriander, black pepper, cumin, ginger, celery seed, cloves, caraway, and cayenne.
I found the word curry is actually a Western term that was possibly derived the Tamil word “karai” which means gravy or sauce rather than a particular type of dish. Curry is a side dish that is served alongside a main dish of rice or bread. In India, curry dishes do not use the same spices and not all of the dishes are “spicy.” Outside of India, the tradition of keeping special blends of curry powder simply became uneconomical especially since access to fresh spices is more difficult and curry powder became increasingly standardized. I feel so enlightened now that I know more about curry powder and Indian cooking. Collect needed items:
We are going to use the higher end of the water recommendations in the Lye Calculator so we can mix the curry powder in easily. We are also making this soap in dry weather so the soap will dry/cure quickly. If you are making this in a humid location, please use a dehumidifier to help dry out the soaps. Measure fixed oils on your scale. Warm the fixed oils on the stove or in the microwave. I melted the oils in the microwave. Add sodium hydroxide to the water. Mix well. Combine oils and lye solution. Stir until thin trace. Upon light trace, add the curry powder. Stir well. Pour soap into molds. I used the Rubbermaid Drawer Organizers #2915 as the mold. Allow to sit until soap is firm. The next morning cut into bars. Stack to allow good air circulation. Allow to cure for several days before using. Longer curing will result in a harder bar. Notes: After looking at the finished soap, I think the best scents for this soap would be Lemon, Lemongrass or spicy scents like Brown Sugar & Spice, Pumpkin Pie, Apple Jack, and Spiced Fig. The color should have more play in the final scent decision. Sandalwood, patchouly and musk scents would also work well with the coloring. The Curry Powdersoap samples have been sent to the Shipping Department to send out in orders. I really want to hear your comments about this or any of the other soaps with kitchen spices. I hope that anyone wanting a sample soap will request one and if we have any samples we will send them to you. |
wow, this is s nice wild orange! however, I love the colour after 24 hours :).this is on my to do list 🙂
Just in case anyone did the research – would there be any benefits from adding the curry powder to the soap, or simple aesthetics?
I am seeking the answer myself!!
Simona,
It was simple aesthetics. I am not familiar with any benefits to adding curry powder.
I’m working on a school project that is about soap making and i’m actually reading benefits of different ingredients used in soaps. My guess would be it does bring some good. It has to. since all the spices carry a lot of good.
Though curry is reputed to have some beneficial properties, there is such a small amount used in this application, that it is doubtful any of those properties is in high enough concentration to create any benefit. Also, as soap is a wash-off product, it is not in contact with the skin long enough to have any effect.