Extraction 2022

It was our best year yet! Thanks to a 3 year USDA grant we are able to mechanize the process of extraction and modernize the final washing and drying of the indigo mud into powder. From 1000 plants and many harvests we were able to extract almost 10 pounds of pure indigo. Now that we have it down, we will double or triple this number in the future.

You may ask? How much pigment do you need for your line of products in a year? “I actually need it all. A vat of blue dye takes 2 oz and can dye lots of fabric. Ten pounds goes a long way.”

In 2023, we are planning to extract even more and along with my products, I will offer more kits for you, indigo lovers, and for schools. Our plan is to offer a kit for 3rd graders and 8th graders to learn hands-on about South Carolina 18th century history, as well as create an art project for the classroom and learn the biology of this magical botanical plant.

CHI

Photos by Kim Truett