Farming

The Noni Bottle Labeling Machine

As the price increased for shipping our noni juice in large totes to California for bottling and labeling, then shipping it back to Kauai, it became apparent that we would save money in the long run by doing the bottling and labeling ourselves. This also gives the flexibility to bottle in small batches as needed rather than filling up large totes all at once.

We invested in a bottling and labeling machine. Today we share some photos of the labeler. It has many moving parts and is finicky during the setup process for each labeling session. The machine not only applies a label, but also stamps a expiration date on the label. All the micro adjustments must be perfect and often require sacrificing a few labels initially. Once it is running well, the rest of the session usually proceeds without a hitch. One of our part-time employees, Doug, does much of the bottling and labeling, under Arumuganathaswami’s guidance.

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The Sweet Sugar Palm

A walk through the garden today brings us to the Rishi from the Himalayas murti where two stunning Arenga pinnatas are blossoming again. This is the first time we have captured the early protective sheath that covers the inflorescense, and also its removal to reveal the flower buds.

When you visit Siva’s Sacred Garden, you must stand in front of this Sugar Palm, a true gem of Southeast Asia, especially revered in Indonesia and the Philippines. Towering up to 20 meters, this majestic palm boasts large, feather-like leaves that dance in Kauai’s tropical breeze. More than just a scenic marvel, every element of the sugar palm is utilized by local communities. The sap is tapped and transformed into sweet sugar and aromatic alcohol (called arrack). Its fibers are woven into durable ropes and rustic brooms, while the broad fronds find a second life as robust roofing materials. This versatile palm is a cornerstone of sustainability and a testament to the ingenuity of traditional practices in harmonizing with nature.

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