Handling Botanicals

[tgf]

Are there any handling procedures I should be aware of when handling botanicals during gin distillation? For example, I've noticed some dust and even specks of dirt in some of my dry botanicals (e.g. juniper berries/liquorice root...etc) and wonder if it is common practice or whether I should give them a light 'rinse' before putting them in the pot.

Thanks!

[Expat]

I suppose the answer is it depends on the specific botanicals you're using, but in general there isn't an need to wash in advance of using them. Doing so would run the risk of extracting some of the precious flavor you're trying to capture.

If you don't want your hands to smell of spice then I guess you could where gloves, but there is nothing you're using which you couldn't taste or handle safely. E.g. you're not putting hemlock in your gin.

Is there a specific one you're worried about?

[tgf]

Is there a specific one you're worried about?

no not really! i'm not concerned about getting the smell on my hands or anything like that. its just that i do see some dirt and dust (i know its inevitable) in the dry botanicals i'm getting, for example in the juniper berries and liquorice roots so i'm wondering if its totally normal to just throw it into the pot without any pre-handling.

i know they don't get distilled over and it's probably harmless, but it just feels weird to know that i'm "knowingly" throwing in dirt.... or no one really cares?

[NZChris]

If you're getting dirt in your botanicals you need to shop elsewhere or sieve it out.

Dust is probably just it's own dust unless it's mould and the botanical should be thrown out.

If you grow your own you can have it as clean and fresh as you make it, which is what I do whenever possible.

Heat and alcohol will take care of any bugs.