We woke up to a beautiful snowfall!
I can't thank this girl, Jen Jordan, enough for believing in and investing in me, and bringing me on this awesome trip! Don't be fooled by the UK exterior, she's a Red Raider at heart!
We took part in the entire process of distilling Idaho Balsam Fir today.
These are the big cookers. Getting ready to empty the steamed chips:
Locals come and take the mulch to use in their gardens and nurseries.
Now it's time to refill the big pots. I get a turn on the bobcat to add a load of chips:
We were "walking on Balsam, woah-oh," spreading it around and stomping it down.
Close it up and add the steam!
The steam is cooled to separate the oil from the water (which is now an amazing floral water that they fill the hot tubs with!).
OIL!
Time to filter. Yes, by hand.
Pour into the big steel drums, and ship down to St. Marie's Farm for bottling.
We got to bottle one to bring home!
A big pile of chips waiting to be loaded in to the cookers!
A whole lotta trees for little bottles of valuable oil.
I wish you could smell this place. It is intoxicating.
In case you are wondering.... Idaho Balsam Fir Essential Oil is anticoagulant, antibacterial, anti inflammatory, and antitumoral. An awesome oil to support the respiratory system! The fir tree has been prized through the ages for its medicinal effects and ability to heal respiratory conditions and muscular and rheumatic pain. Fragrant influences include grounding, stimulating to the mind, and relaxing to the body. In the Bible, Solomon was given fir trees. I can't believe that I'm taking part of this Seed To Seal process with my own two hands.
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