File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
I'm in College Station, Texas. There's a few small (10'-15' tall) trees out in a field nearby that are currently full of these things. I picked a part of a branch and dissected two of the "fruits" (as can be seen in the photo).

The flesh is very raisin-like in texture, peels from the seeds very easily, and the gel inside is very sticky. I haven't tried eating it; not feeling adventurous and risking horrible digestive problems in the middle of Finals week. The black seeds inside are very hard and have a cotton-like white fuzz on top.

Please help me identify these; I'm curious! :-D
>> Anonymous
Touch the soft part of the fruit, then lick your fingers and wash out your mouth without swallowing. Is it sweet?
>> Anonymous
hmm... I think this may be it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapindus
>> Anonymous
>>191133
Good thing I found out what it was just before I almost did that... It contains lots of Saponin, which is poisonous. >.<

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saponin
>> Anonymous
>>191135
if you actually read the article it only says certain types are toxic. try it and find out if its the kind that is or not. all itll cause is a skin rash, so shouldnt be that bad.
>> Anonymous
>>191137
Skin rash is from direct contact, not consumption... >.>

That aside, it does not seem to have caused me any rashes... Still not really interested in eating them, though.
>> Anonymous
>>191141
how do you know its only from direct contact? that sentence is actually pretty ambiguous but it seems to be saying that some, if consumed, are poisonous and can cause skin rash.
>> Anonymous
I've never heard of soap berries before. The OP should totally try washing a load of clothes with those things.
>> Anonymous
I double dare you to eat one.
>> SAGE BOMB !!orECbu+RQsx
believe it or not, my mom uses the dried seeds for washing white laundry.
>> Anonymous
OP here.

I'm going to start making a Soapberry extract tonight; homemade cleaning solution as Christmas presents, anyone? :-D

I'll see if this works: Gonna simmer them in water with a splash of vodka for a few hours, reduce to 1/3-1/4 original volume, and bottle.

...any experience/suggestions on making berry extracts for non-consumptive purposes?