Potpourri is a decorative item that also serves as an air freshener – an air freshener that doesn’t add to the negative air quality inside your home or office with chemicals, since flowers have a delightful natural fragrance.
The term potpourri comes from French, meaning “rotten pot”. However, for hundreds of years the word has been identified to mean a “medley” or “blend” of flowers, herbs and spices.
How to Make Your Own Potpourri
A selection of petals from an assortment of blooms tends to create a prettier product. Think about using roses, lavender, violets and freesia, which are all quite aromatic. While cut flowers from your florist can be used, you may find that fresh flowers harvested in the morning, after the dew is gone, from your own garden tend to boast more essential oil and thus more fragrance.
After gently removing the petals from the flower heads, spread them out onto a wooden drying rack or paper towels. Place them in an airy area shielded from direct light. On a daily basis, turn each petal over until they are completely dry. This can take anywhere from one to four weeks. When they are crisp and feel like cereal flakes, they’re ready.
You can expedite the process by laying the petals out on a cookie sheet and popping it into an oven set at 110F. Leave the door ajar and bake for about one to two hours, stirring occasionally.
Once the drying process is complete, add a bit of orrisroot or benzoin. These are fixatives and act to make the fragrance of the petals last longer. Mix in whatever dried herbs and spices you prefer, then store in an airtight container for about a month. This allows the potpourri to develop and mellow out, after which it is ready to use!
