How To: Glycerite with Fresh Blackberries


Well, it's official. I've become a fresh food glycerite addict. So, before we start getting serious about other Fall-related activities, allow me to share with you the final summer berry glycerite of the year.

We're going to be more hands-on with this one with a slightly different straining process, so don your latex gloves and let's get busy with blackberries!

Ingredients

  • fresh, juicy blackberries (I use organic)
  • glycerine (I use vegetable based)
  • preservative 


Tip: Blackberries are quick to spoil - be extremely attentive when choosing which ones to add to your glycerite.

Water to Glycerine

Glycerine extracts are commonly made with dried plant materials that are reconstituted with water, then added to the glycerine. The usual ratio of water to glycerine for an extract is 50/50.

For this batch I used
  • 52 % Glycerine
  • 47.5 % Blackberries
  • 0,5 % Preservative (I used benzyl alcohol)

Tip: Always always measure your ingredients by weight - this is the only accurate way to be sure of your amounts in any formula.

Method



  1. Sanitize the jar and your equipment
  2. Don your gloves
  3. Weigh the berries
  4. Gently crush each berry as it is added to the jar. This also allows for an extra final inspection of perfect freshness.
  5. Weigh and add glycerine
  6. Add preservative
  7. Place lid on jar
  8. Keep jar in a dark and not too warm area
  9. Agitate the jar daily for 7-10 days

The color will change as the days pass. Here's what mine looked like after 8 days.


Time to Strain

Here's what you need to strain
  • Latex Gloves
  • Funnel
  • Filters
  • Receptacle to strain into
  • Bottle for your extract



Straining is a time-consuming process, but you can speed up the process a bit by transferring to a new filter as soon as the liquid stops dripping through.

Don't forget to put on gloves.

You might be able to speed up the process even more by gently squeezing the filter as you transfer.

Gentle is the keyword here.

Here's what happens if you get a bit too heavy handed. The filter bursts, seeds and bits escape, and you get to start over.


When the liquid has run through, transfer the glycerite to a bottle, add a label (remember to add a date), and enjoy your fabulous blackberry glycerite!

Where to Use a Fresh Food Glycerite

You can use a glycerite in place of glycerine in any formula. It adds the delicious scent of the food (or herbs) you have infused as well as the water-soluble actives of your ingredients.

Enjoy!


More About Glycerine and More Glycerite How to's on This Blog

Cucumber Glycerite How-to: 1
Cucumber Glycerite How-to: 2
Lemon Glycerite How-to
Strawberry Glycerite How-to
Blueberry Glycerite How-to
Glycerine Uses and Properties
Glycerine and Preservative Power

Comments

María said…
Lovely! I bet the scent is just mouth watering ;)
Unknown said…
This is beautiful. cant wait to try it out. Thank you lisa
LisaLise said…
@María - thank you - yes, it is quite deliciously scented!

@Jemila - thank you- I hope you have great success with it!
Unknown said…
My question would be this,if I'm making a glycerite of grapes or carrot for instance, and using it as an active in a body lotion,do I still have to keep the dosage below 10%,considering that it carries my actives.
And what if I'm having two other glycerites actives in my lotion, do I sum them up all below 10% too, would that affect the effectiveness of my actives
LisaLise said…
HI Samuel - Thanks for your comment. I am happy to answer this kind of formula specific question in a one on one consultation. If you visit my main website>shop>services, you'll find 2 choices. :)
Unknown said…
I love it. Thanks for sharing this with us. My question is that can we use cloth to filter the Glycerite. Thanks
LisaLise said…
HI Unknown - yes you can. Be sure it is clean, and if it is not very tightly woven, use a double layer.
Unknown said…
Hi Lise, I’m really looking forward to making this recipe with my own home grown blackberries. I want to add this to a facial mist and possibly also a serum or balm. I’m concerned about the alcohol you’re using as a preservative. I’m reading mixed reviews on its safety. Is a there an alternative preservative you might recommend ? Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful glycerine extract ~ Rachel
LisaLise said…
Hi Rachel - If you aren't comfortable using benzyl alcohol, you might try a combination of potassium sorbet and sodium benzoate. Enjoy your lovely glycerite!