It was the pleasant task of ladies of the house to gather the leaves and petals of sweet smelling herbs and plants and dry them for us in bowls and jars along with spices and oils to sweeten the atmosphere. It was also considered a health benefit that helped ward off disease.

The term pot-pourri is from the French. Although intended to indicate a perfume pot, its literal translation is suggested to be ‘rotten pot’! Scented flowers and leaves are used according to season. Simple fixatives are used to help the scent endure and these can include barks, powdered seeds and rind of fruits.

Drying the petals – it is important that flowers are just opened, and at the peak of the blossoming. They are preferably gathered in clear weather so as to be as dry as possible.

Pull the petals gently, discarding other parts of the flower head. Include a few buds for decoration.

Dry the material and flowers away from harsh light or sunshine in a well ventilated place. A simple drying rack can be made from fly screen material or netting.  They must be tended and turned each day. A cheesecloth covering will protect them from insects or strong breezes.

To dry the material fully takes about 4-10 days depending on the weather conditions. If necessary, use a slow oven – no more than 40 degrees or so for a short time only, to complete their drying should the local atmosphere be humid.

Petals are then placed carefully in glass jar or container with lid and kept in a dark cupboard until you are ready to mix all ingredients.

Mixing the Pot-pourri

About 1 tablespoon of spice or powdered resin is required for each quart of petals. Cinnamon bark, mace, cardamom seeds –can then be sprinkled over the petals and fixatives. Also dried citrus peel, rose leaves crumbled or vanilla beans can be gently mixed before adding the oils and tinctures of your choice.

Then add musk or amber or geranium oil, neroli or other essential perfumed oil.

Store for about a week before sampling the mix and adding what you feel gives the note that you wish to your potpourri.  If it is not quite to your liking then continue experimenting until you feel it is just right.

Your will best enjoy presenting your Pot-pourri in an ornamental container and preferably one designed for the purpose.

 

 

Tags: dried aromatics freshen, ornamental containers, pot pourri, scent your room

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