Update on the congealed sodium pastes with low yields (one using Na2CO3-0.7% and one using NaCl-0.6%).

Yields recovered (back to 1%) by doing long warm extractions on the congealed paste. Product was more difficult to xtalize and crash (was sticking to the walls, had off colors, etc) and ended up having a slight tan color that did not wash off.

I've started the MAS (microwave assisted saponification)  + quick 0°F (using CaCl2 to avoid ice) extraction. I have a silicone coozy for the mason jar . Will report on this later this year, hoping for:

- Near colorless extract with very little plant matter thanks to microwave breakdown/saponification and low temperature

- Good yield (1%) - thanks to calcium making cacti in ethyl acetate sandy (large surface area)

- Robust process to different starting cactus material giving large white crystals

- Solvent reusable many times