The Alchemy of the Orchard: Elderberry & Lard

In the professional kitchen, we talk about "mouthfeel"—the way a fat or an emulsion coats the palate. In soapmaking, we look for the same sensory precision in the lather. This latest batch of Elderberry, Castor Oil & Lard was an exercise in balancing heavy-duty cleansing with a soft finish.

The process begins with pasture-raised lard, which I hand-butcher and render over two days in Dundas. Lard is a traditional powerhouse in soap; it creates a firm, long-lasting bar that doesn't melt away in the dish. To elevate the texture, I’ve introduced Castor Oil into the formula. Much like adding a splash of cream to a reduction, the castor oil acts as a humectant, transforming the bubbles into a dense, stable foam that feels more like a luxury cream than a standard soap.

Finally, we infuse the fats with Elderberries. Beyond their natural botanical character, these berries are packed with antioxidants, adding a restorative layer to the bar. After a six-week cure, the result is a soap that reflects the "nose-to-tail" philosophy of the butchery—taking raw, honest materials and refining them into something exceptional.

From the block to the bath, this is craft at its slowest.