How to Make Classic Dried Citrus Potpourri and Simmered Citrus Potpourri
Dec 04, 2024
Citrus potpourri not only looks great it also gives a delightful smell to any room. You can change what it is made of each time depending on what you have on hand. Most of us think of potpourri as something old and dusty but it can be fresh and vibrant. Try a simmered potpourri for a change.
Above: Dried Orange Potpourri with Bay Leaves and Cinnamon
Ingredients:
- Small saucepan
- Water
- Citrus peels (lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.)
- Herbs (optional) like rosemary, mint, or thyme
- Spices (optional) like cloves, cinnamon sticks, or star anise
Instructions:
- Fill your saucepan with water.
- Add a generous amount of citrus peels. You can use a mix of different citrus fruits.
- (Optional) Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs or a few whole spices for additional fragrance.
- Bring the water to a simmer on the stovetop.
- Reduce heat and simmer for several hours, refilling the water as needed to maintain the level. The simmering citrus peels will release their fragrance into the air.
- Let the simmered citrus mixture cool completely before discarding the peels.
- Enjoy the fresh citrus scent that fills your home!
Ingredients:
- Citrus Peels or Dehydrated Citrus Slices: This is the star of the show! Use a variety of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, or tangerines. Aim for a mix of colours and textures for visual appeal.
- Herbs: Sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or mint add a touch of greenery and fragrance.
- Spices: Whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, or star anise add a warm and spicy undertone.
- Dried Flowers: Rosebuds, lavender, or other fragrant dried flowers
- Potpourri Filler: Dried pinecones or wood chips help disperse the scent and add volume to your potpourri bowl.
- Carrier Oil: For a more intense scent, add a few drops of carrier oil (almond, olive, or grapeseed oil) to the potpourri. Let it sit for a day or two to allow the fragrance to absorb. Be mindful not to add too much oil, as it can make the potpourri greasy.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Citrus Peels: Using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, remove the rinds from your chosen citrus fruits. Cut the peels into thin slices or leave them in larger chunks. The thinner the slices, the faster they will dry out and release their scent.
- Assemble Your Potpourri: Once your citrus peels are dry, place them in a decorative bowl or potpourri dish.
- Add Other Elements: If using herbs, spices, or dried flowers, gently mix them in with the citrus peels.
- Carrier Oil: Add a few drops of your chosen carrier oil to the potpourri for a more intense and long-lasting fragrance.
- Stir and Refresh: Every few days, give your potpourri a gentle stir to release the trapped scents. You can also add a drop or two of your carrier oil to refresh the fragrance as needed.
Tip:
You can use the leftover dried citrus peels in your cleaning products or compost them.
Above: Lemon, Lavender, Star Anise, Cinnamon and Nutmeg Dried Potpourri
Simmered Potpourri
This method takes some time for the scent to infuse the air but provides a more natural and continuous fragrance.
Ingredients:
- Small saucepan
- Water
- Citrus peels (lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.)
- Herbs (optional) like rosemary, mint, or thyme
- Spices (optional) like cloves, cinnamon sticks, or star anise
Instructions:
- Fill your saucepan with water.
- Add a generous amount of citrus peels. You can use a mix of different citrus fruits.
- (Optional) Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs or a few whole spices for additional fragrance.
- Bring the water to a simmer on the stovetop.
- Reduce heat and simmer for several hours, refilling the water as needed to maintain the level. The simmering citrus peels will release their fragrance into the air.
- Let the simmered citrus mixture cool completely before discarding the peels.
Enjoy the fresh citrus scent that fills your home!
Above: Simmered Potpourri Containing Orange, Cinnamon, Cloves and Star Anise.
