History of Potpourri
The word ‘potpourri’ usually gives an idea of a mixture of dried flowers, spices, and some fragrant items. Potpourri is first made by French, so it is derived from their word, which means ‘rotten pot.’ It doesn’t smell rotten, does it?
The original way of making potpourri that was practiced by French is through fermentation. There are layers of salt, fresh or semi-dried petals, and flowers placed in a crock.
Roses are the traditional main ingredient that is added for either dry or moist potpourri. During Colonial times, the mixture is composed of wilted flowers, mostly roses, layers of salt, bay leaves, brandy, and brown sugar.
The crock is filled with those things and weight is on top of it. Stirring is done periodically. The finished product is p
oured in a rose jar. It is then placed in a clean room to perfume the air
The Invention of Liquid Potpourri
Liquid potpourri was invented for some reason. The delivery of the scent is improved as it doesn’t distort the real essence of the source. Another bonus is that it can make the scent linger for a longer period.
It doesn’t require any use of emulsifiers or surfactants. Thus, it’s guaranteed safe for both the users and the environment. Furthermore, it’s not volatile or flammable and it can’t damage furniture.
The making of liquid potpourri would only need water or alcohol solution in aqueous nature. You need traditional potpourri simmering pots, a heated small pot on top of a stove, or heated by a tea candle to let the scent diffuse into the air. It needs a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aside from dried flowers, you can use fruits, herbs, and spices in fresh or dried form for liquid potpourri. There’s a lot of options and possible methods for this.
Potpourri Liquid Recipes
It would be a bleak world when there’s no fragrance and scent. Homemade potpourri liquid is among the crafts practiced by man since the earliest time. It brings a scent to occupy rooms and offices for centuries. Essential oil, flowers, fruits, some herbs, and spices will impregnate a tantalizing scent.
So you can gather your ingredients and tools as stated necessary below then follow the steps in creating a liquid potpourri of various recipes. You can make different recipes based on the time of the year or what kind of mood you want to promote
Model Recipe
A cup of distilled water
1/4 cup of jojoba oil
20 drops of essential oil, any kind
3 drop of vitamin E oil
Small mixing bowl
Potpourri warmer
Measuring cups
Wire whisk
Necessary Steps
1. First, pour the essential oil in the mixing bowl. Then the cup of distilled water, a quarter cup of jojoba oil, and three drops of Vitamin E oil follow.
2. Mix all the ingredients using a wire whisk for 30 seconds. Continue doing until you achieve a solution that is oily and golden in color. It should have round bubbles and a strong aroma.
3. The mixture should be put in a potpourri warmer. Let it sit there until it becomes warm and create an aroma that will fill the room with a nice scent.
You can also place the mixture in a bottle with a reed diffuser. You can still get the nice smell coming from it.
Simmering Potpourri Liquid Recipes for Holidays
You can have liquid potpourri dominating your rooms all year round. But having it during the fall and holidays will set the right mood.
To make these recipes, you have to put 2 to 3 cups of water in a small saucepan along with the ingredients that are shown below. Let it boil then turn the heat to low. It shouldn’t evaporate, and you can add more of the ingredients if necessary.
1. The Waft of Citrus
1 lemon and 1 orange (sliced)
Another half lemon and 1 orange
A cup of Cranberries
Cranberry bliss
A tablespoon of garlic
2 sticks of Cinnamon
2. Tasty Apple Pie
2 apples, sliced
2 sticks of Cinnamon
Vanilla Spice
A dash of vanilla extract
4 garlic cloves
3. Holiday Love
2 drops of Peppermint extract
2 sticks of Cinnamon
2 sprigs pine
4. Rich in Spice
Half tablespoon of garlic cloves
1 whole nutmeg
2 sticks of Cinnamon
1 lemon, sliced
3 sprigs of fresh Rosemary
5. Gingerbread Man
A stick of cinnamon
A teaspoon of vanilla
10 slices of ginger
6. Mint and Lime
2 sprigs of fresh mint
2 limes, sliced
Half teaspoon of mint extract (optional)
Some Tips in Creating Potpourri Liquid
1. To make the scent from your liquid potpourri last long, you can add vodka in the mixture. You can do it by spritzing some.
2. The uplifting aroma can be produced by citrus and peppermint essential oils.
3. If you crave for calming aroma, lavender and chamomile essential oils should be used.
4. The essential oils you have to choose for floral aroma are rose and geranium.
5. The usual flowers used in making potpourri are roses, chamomile, hibiscus, violets, lavender, and sunflowers. In terms of herbs, the common choices are sage, rosemary, and thyme.
6. You can replace jojoba oil by oils that are made of coconut, vegetable, olive, almond, sesame seeds, grape seeds, and sunflower.
7. To create a stronger aroma, add spices and petals to liquid potpourri oil. It is also done for the sake of decoration.
Methods of Heating Liquid Potpourri
One way of making liquid potpourri is by letting it boil in a pot, which is not the only means. You can do it in different methods, aside from using the classic potpourri warmer.
1. Stove Top Method
It is considered the best way as it releases the powerful scent that can spread in a room the quickest. But it’s easy to make. All you need to do is to dump the ingredients in a pot. Let it boil and switch to low heat, then simmer. The scent will dominate the whole floor.
You only need to be mindful of the water as you might smell burnt ingredients instead of a nice scent.
2. Slow Cooker – Uncovered Method
The process is the same as you just need to put the ingredients in a slow cooker. But you won’t see bubbles or steam from it. You have to leave it uncovered as it brings the scent slowly. It can start in your kitchen where it is located, and it disperses to other rooms.
A slow cooker is easy to use when making liquid potpourri. It doesn’t consume a lot of electricity either. You can fill it, and it won’t run dry for a day.
If you’re worried about getting it dry, you can add a lamp timer so it can shut itself based on the time that you set. You can put a jar of the mixture in the microwave for 2 minutes, so it’s hot when you place it in a slow cooker. It can create a jump start for releasing the aroma.
3. Fondue Pot Method
A fondue pot can be a portable potpourri warmer. You can place it in a room that is full of scent. A tea candle can be used for heating it that can last for 3 and a half to 4 hours.
This method will let you get the subtle scent, which is enough for a small room. You have to heat the water and the ingredients first before pouring it into the fondue pot.
4. Candle Warmer Method
A candle warmer is composed of a little pot on the top, which is used for melting scented candles. So instead of candle pellets, you would have a mixture of ingredients. It needs 120 degrees Fahrenheit to have a subtle scent going. You need to increase the temperature if you desire a stronger smell.
5. Mug Warmer Method
Aside from the job of the mug warmer to keep drinks warm, you can use it for liquid potpourri. It also makes your mixture warm, so you have to heat the mixture before placing it into the mug warmer. You can also microwave the mixture.
You will get a soft, subtle scent from it, which is perfect for small areas like the bathroom. The mixture may not appear pretty as they’re on heat. You can add some fresh fruits and let float on the top. They will add colors to the mixture.
6. Teapot Warmer Method
A teapot warmer need tea lights, and for making liquid potpourri, you may need two or three of them. This method can make the mixture hotter compared to the candle warmer and mug warmer. Thus, it can give more scent.
You have the option to put a pot or a jar above the warmer. You have to keep an eye on it and add more hot water if it is needed. Remember, higher heat means more scent.
Summary
The best part about liquid potpourri is you can conserve it whether you use essential oil, dried, or fresh ingredients. You can always save it for later use with the help of some containers. It lets you play with different combinations, and it is an absolute environmentally friendly process. It is efficient in delivering the original scent from its natural sources.