Olive oil-based soap has been crafted in France since the Middle Ages. A handful of soap factories near Marseille still make this famous soap using traditional methods. The soapmaster combines olive oil, alkaline ash and saltwater and heats the mixture for ten days in antique cauldrons. This mixture is poured into open pits where it hardens and is cut into cubes and stamped. Afterwards, the soaps are set out to dry in the sun and wind. Orange blossom oil provides a delicate and refreshing floral scent.
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Rebecca Westby
