#EdwardianFarm - Extracting Lanolin from Sheep's Wool

"In this clip from Edwardian Farm, Ruth Goodman extracts lanolin from sheep's wool.

Lanolin, also called wool wax or wool grease, is a yellow waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals. Most lanolin used by humans comes from domestic sheep breeds that are raised specifically for their wool. Lanolin primarily consists of sterol esters. Its waterproofing property aids sheep in shedding water from their coats. Certain breeds of sheep produce large amounts of lanolin.

Lanolin and its many derivatives are used extensively in products designed for the protection, treatment and beautification of human skin.

Crude lanolin constitutes about 5–25% of the weight of freshly shorn wool. The wool from one Merino sheep will produce about 250–300 ml of recoverable wool grease. Lanolin is extracted by washing the wool in hot water with a special wool scouring detergent to remove dirt, wool grease (crude lanolin), suint (sweat salts), and anything else stuck to the wool. The wool grease is continuously removed during this washing process by centrifugal separators, which concentrate it into a wax-like substance melting at approximately 38 °C (100 °F)."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2pEIsyWD-Y

#SolarPunkSunday #AnimalProducts #Lanolin #TraditionalTechnology #NaturalWaterproofing #Waterproofing #NoChemicals #NoPFAS #OldWays

One thing I'm getting from watching shows like #VictorianFarm, #EdwardianFarm, #TudorMonasteryFarm, and even #IronChef -- is making the most out of all parts of critters. #IndigenousPeoples did that as well. If we're going to eat meat / fish, then we should aim for using as much as we can for food, and make sure the rest doesn't go to waste!

#ConsciousMeatEating #ZeroWaste #Composting

So, I enjoy watching TV shows that have folks learning the ways things used to be done. Some old ways are worth revisiting! For instance, in the last episode of #EdwardianFarm, seaweed was used to mulch strawberries! I plan on trying that out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRhD9xzdKgU&list=PLS2gH7w6ADxzj77QfHqTe1IHzQ2zA3IMV&index=11

#SolarPunkSunday #TraditionalFarming #GardeningIdeas #RegenerativeAgriculture #SeaweedMulch #GardeningWithoutChemicals #Gardening

Learning all about #CoracleBoats and weaving from #EdwardianFarm!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coracle

#Willow #WillowWeaving #NoTech #Nature

I did not know this...! (Just found out while watching #EdwardianFarm)

#Matriarchs

Posted on Mar 05, 2020
By Ellie Laks, Founder of The Gentle Barn

"#Horses, #cows, and #pigs live in a #matriarchal society. It is typically the smallest, oldest, and mightiest female that will lead the family to safety, food, and water. She will nurture the babies, discipline the teens, provide wisdom for her entire family, and make all the important decisions. Even in our sanctuary, where there are not many decisions to be made other than when to eat, sleep, or play, our cows, horses, and pigs have always had a matriarch. The matriarch might choose a mate and he will implement her decisions and back her up with the necessary muscle and force, but she is ultimately in charge."

https://www.gentlebarn.org/blog/2020/03/05/matriarchs/

#MatriarchyInNature #Nature #Matriarchy

Ooooooh, that train track safety system!!!  

#EdwardianFarm

Hihi, episode 7 of #EdwardianFarm starts with spring and how farmers of that period got increasing parts of their income from "market gardening". (A term I wasn't aware of before: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_garden )

They harvest Daffodils and comment how labour intensive it is and I experienced a weird moment of cognitive dissonance, because (1) they just spent 6 episodes how ANYTHING at the time is labour intensive and (2) my family earn their living in floristry, so, yeah, that shit's loads of work.

Re-watching #EdwardianFarm They're just putting up the weather cockerel (;*

And now for oat harvesting.