How the Leaves are made

Skeleton or ghost leaves are natural leaves which have been specially processed to remove the fleshy parts leaving only the rib structure of the leaf. The leaves supplied by Skeleton Leaf - Just The Leaves are grown and processed in Thailand.

1. First the collected leaves are placed between two flat surfaces and weight added to the upper surface to press them. They are left for several weeks in a dry, undisturbed place.
2. The pressed leaves are then placed in a solution of bicarbonate of soda (though different manufacturers have their own carefully guarded secret recipes).
3. After a time the flesh turns to pulp. Some manufacturers may heat the leaves to speed up the process.
4. The leaves are then removed from the solution and rinsed in cold water.
5. The pulp is gently removed with a brush and the leaf is allowed to dry out.
6. The leaves are sorted into sizes. They can be dyed at a later stage.