Berry Beautiful Red Raspberry Seed Oil

Raspberry seeds flew everywhere, dusting the ground near our seed dryer. We learned a lot of things in our first years of seed drying. First and foremost was don’t overfill our bulk bags with dried seed or we’d be enveloped in a cloud of raspberry seeds and would be stuck picking seeds out of our hair for days.

Lo and behold, a lawn of raspberry seedlings greeted us the following spring. Wherever our raspberry seeds touched ground they had sprouted. Live seed germinates. And only live seed can be used to produce what we call “live oil”.

Many seeds are harvested after they’ve dried, such as sunflower, soy and corn. Grains are usually allowed to dry to around 13% moisture content before they’re harvested. It’s different for seeds that come from fruit processing such as raspberry, kiwi, cranberry, and grapes. These seeds are released when the fruit is crushed for making juices and purees. If the fruit or the purees are pasteurized (145°F for 30 minutes) before the seeds are removed the seeds are killed. They won’t germinate and the oil in the seed is rendered rancid.

Using live seed is only the first step in producing live oils. Live seed has the energy within itself to germinate and grow. A live seed is unaltered and retains the natural goodness, imbued with life force. The challenge is to transfer the vitality of the seed to the oil produced from it. This can only be done by cold-pressing the seed, which is not only the gentlest way to extract the oil from the seed but is the only method that preserves the natural composition of the oil as it is found in the seed. Chemical extraction of the oil from the seed, on the other hand, not only kills the vitality and goodness of the oil it also introduces traces of toxic chemicals to the oil. Supercritical extraction of oils from seeds is a selective process that, depending on production parameters, selectively extracts certain parts of the oil from the seed and not others. Live oils are oils full of vitality because they are true reflections of the oil found in live seeds.

What is Rose Infused Red Raspberry Seed Oil?

Rose infused raspberry seed oil is a beautiful, handcrafted oil that combines the enriching qualities of raspberry seed oil, the gentle aroma of rose petals, and its abundance of vitamins and antioxidants. The infusion of rose imparts the additional benefits of vitamin A and C, as well as antioxidants found in rose petals. Additionally, this splendid oil is suitable for all skin types, ensuring that everyone can bask in its rejuvenating properties. This infusion, also known as a macerated oil, is a luxurious way to pamper your skin and nourish your senses.

Step-by-Step Guide

Collect the rose petals: In the morning, gently pluck the vibrant rose petals. Allow them to rest overnight, spread out in a single layer to bid farewell to any insects and excess humidity. If you don't have access to vining roses, you can use petals from other edible rose varieties as a substitute.

Prepare the sterilized mason jar: Begin by pouring boiling water into a mason jar, swirling it around to thoroughly sterilize it. Rinse the jar with clean water and let it dry completely.

Add the rose petals to the jar: Carefully layer the rose petals inside the sterilized mason jar, ensuring they have enough space to mingle with the oil. Avoid packing them too tightly to allow for even oil distribution.

Add the red raspberry seed oil: Pour red raspberry seed oil over the petals, covering them completely. Witness the beautiful dance of colors as the oil and petals intertwine. Leave enough room to seal the jar tightly.

Let it infuse: Seal the jar tightly and let it sit in a cool, dark place for approximately 24 hours, allowing the oil to absorb the irresistible aroma and subtle nuances of the rose petals.

Filter and store: Once the infusion is complete, use an unbleached coffee filter or a soft cheesecloth to strain the oil, capturing its newfound essence in another clean container. Store the infused oil in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.