DEHYDRATOR
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POTPOURRI
Potpourri is a blend of flowers, herbs, essential oils, spices, and a fixative.
Use whole dried flower petals, heads, leaves, and buds. Almost any herb and
spice can also be added. Dried roses are a popular scent but lilacs, lavender and
violets also make good additions. Dried orange, lemon, lime, tangerine, and
grapefruit peel are other flavors that can enhance potpourris. Be careful that
one scent does not overpower the main one.
Remove petals and herbs from their stems. Dry in a single layer on mesh tray
insert or fruit leather sheets. Dry until brittle, which may take from 2-10 hours.
Store different herbs, flowers, etc. in different containers until ready to be
mixed. Potpourris can be placed in cloth bags to make sachets.
Rose Potpourri
¾ cup dried rose petals
¼ cup dried mint leaves
2 Tbsp dried lavender flowers
2 Tbsp powdered dried orange peel
1 Tbsp dried bay leaf pieces
1 Tbsp dried stick cinnamon pieces
1 Tbsp orrisroot *
3 drops lavender oil
Combine all ingredients. Stir. Place in decorative airtight jar.
* Orrisroot is a fixative commonly added to potpourris to hold fragrances for
long periods of time. It has a violet scent. It is available at some drug stores,
herb shops, or perfumery supply houses.
Lavender Sachet
½ cup dried lavender leaves and flowers
½ cup dried orange peel pieces
Small cloth bags
Combine lavender and orange peel. Fill cloth bags and stitch closed. Place in
drawers and closets to freshen and scent clothes. Lavender sachet can also be
used to scent bathwater.
POTPOURRI
Dry Potpourri
1 Tbsp orrisroot
1 Tbsp ground spices
2 Tbsp dried peels, leaves, or small pieces of fragrant wood
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
In a large bowl thoroughly mix all ingredients. Cover and allow to sit for 4 to 6
weeks, stirring gently every other day. When potpourri begins to lose its smell,
add a few drops of a scented oil to reactivate.
Herb Potpourri
½ cup dried lemon balm
½ cup dried spearmint
¼ cup dried thyme
1 cup dried rosemary
½ cup dried sage
½ cup dried summer savory
12 cardamon seeds, crushed
¼ cup dried lemon peel
2 Tbsp orrisroot
5 drops pure lemon extract
5 drops pure orange extract
Combine all ingredients in a crock and mix periodically. Put in an airtight con-
tainer or a decorative jar.