Zines

How to Make Onigiri Seed Bombs!

Materials

6 cups shredded or cut up paper
2 quarts hot water
2 tbsp native seeds
1 large bowl
1/2 cup compost
1 mini onigiri mold
10 long strips of heavily printed
newspaper for "nori"
1 pair of rubber gloves

Process

• In a bowl, submerge the shredded paper in hot water. Soak for at least 15 minutes. Ensure that the paper is thoroughly saturated before starting the next steps.
• Once the paper is ready, take small amounts of wet paper out of the bowl, squeezing any excess water out before placing it in the bottom and sides of the mold. The paper layer should be at least 3 mm thick with none of the bottom of the mold visible. Remove any excess water. (you can dump it back into the bowl)                                     
• TIP: Place the wet paper between the palms of your hand and squeeze the water out so that you have a relatively flat layer of paper. This will make lining the mold easier!

• Add compost so that it fills up about half of the open space in the inside of the mold.
• Add a pinch of seeds.
• Fill the remaining part of the hole up with compost.
• Cover the hole with more paper, a lid of sorts closing in the seeds and compost.
• Close the mold cover to complete forming into the onigiri shape.  If the bomb doesn't fill the entire mold, add more paper.
• Carefully remove the onigiri seed bomb.
• Soak the “nori” newspaper strips in warm water for 10 min. Wrap around the onigiri and press firmly.         
• Leave seed bomb in a well ventilated place to dry (can take 2 to 3 days, depending on climate)

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