Also called builders lime, hydrated lime, and slaked lime, calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] is an inorganic compound formed when calcium oxide (lime) is mixed, or slaked, with water. It is often used in food preparations such as making pickles or corn tortillas.

You can easily create an entirely natural indigo vat with kitchen scraps and pickling lime using Michel Garcia’s 1-2-3 recipe.

You can learn more about mixing a natural indigo vat and other natural dye techniques from Michel Garcia’s DVD, Natural Dye Workshop: Colors of Provence Using Sustainable Methods.