Dried orange potpourri is a fragrant and visually appealing addition to any home. The sweet citrus scent can help provide a refreshing and uplifting aromatic experience. Making your own dried orange potpourri at home is an easy DIY project that allows you to customize the look and scent. In this article, we will walk through the simple steps for making dried orange potpourri. We will cover the supplies needed, how to prepare the oranges, optional extras like spices and oils, drying methods, and how to store the finished potpourri. With just a few basic ingredients and tools, you can make homemade potpourri that looks and smells beautiful.
Supplies Needed
Making dried orange potpourri requires just a few simple supplies:
- Oranges – Choose bright, colorful oranges with no blemishes or soft spots. Navel oranges work very well, but you can also experiment with different citrus like grapefruit or mandarins.
- Cookie sheet or wire rack – This provides a place to set the orange slices as they dry.
- Knife and cutting board
- Spices (optional) – Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, star anise, etc. can add warmth and extra fragrance.
- Drying oil (optional) – A few drops of orange oil, lemon oil or another essential oil complements the citrus scent.
- Food dehydrator or oven
- Glass jar or other container for storage
Gathering these basic supplies is the first step in making great smelling homemade orange potpourri. Always start with fresh oranges that have good color and aroma for the best results.
Preparing the Oranges
Once you have gathered your supplies, you are ready to start prepping the oranges. Here are the easy steps:
- Wash the outside of the oranges to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry.
- Cut the oranges width-wise into rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick. Slice them evenly so they will dry thoroughly and at the same rate.
- Use a paring knife to cut out any seeds, membrane or pulp remaining in the center of the slices. This prevents mold growth.
- Arrange the clean orange slices in a single layer on the cookie sheet or rack. Make sure none of the pieces are overlapping.
The orange slices are now ready to be dried. Taking the time to properly clean and prepare the oranges will give you the best end result.
Optional Extras
Plain dried orange slices make a lovely potpourri on their own. But you can also add extra ingredients to create a more complex aroma. Some optional extras to try include:
Spices
Adding warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and anise provides a spicy nuance to the citrus scent. Use whole pieces of spices rather than ground powder. Just nestle the spices in and around the orange slices on the rack or cookie sheet before dehydrating. Popular combinations are cinnamon sticks with whole cloves or allspice berries with star anise. Get creative mixing different spices to make custom potpourri blends.
Drying Oils
Lightly scenting your potpourri with essential oils infuses additional fragrance. Orange oil, lemon oil, grapefruit oil, mandarin oil, and lime oil all complement the citrus theme. For a woodsy aroma, try a few drops of fir needle, cypress, or pine oil. Only use 2-3 drops of essential oil total for 1 batch of potpourri. The oils are very concentrated. Disperse the drops over the arranged fruit and spices, gently turning to distribute the oil evenly. The drying process will mellow and blend the scents together.
Drying Methods
Properly drying the orange slices is the most important step for creating lasting, fragrant potpourri. There are two recommended methods:
Oven Drying
Oven drying at a very low temperature consistently dehydrates the oranges. Simply arrange the orange slices (and any spices or oils) on the cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake at the lowest oven temperature setting, around 140-170°F. Prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon handle or balled up foil to allow moisture to escape. Drying times range from 6-12 hours. Check periodically and remove any slices that become fully dried first. Cool the finished slices before storing.
Food Dehydrator
A food dehydrator provides controlled low heat airflow that evenly dries the oranges and spices. Arrange the ingredients on dehydrator trays in a single layer, making sure airflow can circulate around the pieces. Follow appliance directions for setting the temperature, normally around 95-155°F. Dehydration times range from 4-12 hours. Check periodically, removing any fully dried pieces while continuing to dry the rest. Always allow the oranges to completely cool before transfers to storage containers.
Storing Your Potpourri
Once the orange slices, spices, and oils are fully dried, you need to properly store them to retain the aroma. Here are some tips for potpourri storage:
- Make sure all the plant matter is completely dry and crisp. Any moisture can encourage mold growth during storage.
- Cool completely before packaging.
- Choose containers that are airtight. Glass jars work very well for potpourri storage. Make sure the lid seals tightly.
- Keep potpourri containers away from heat, humidity and direct light which can cause fading.
- For maximum potency, use within 1 year. The fragrance will diminish over time.
- Consider adding a fresh dried orange slice or two to refresh older potpourri.
With proper storage, your homemade potpourri will stay vibrantly scented to enjoy for months to come.
Displaying Your Dried Orange Potpourri
One of the delights of homemade potpourri is seeing the beautiful colors and textures when displayed in glass bowls or jars. Here are some tips for elegantly showcasing your creation:
- Choose a clear glass container so the orange slices and spices are visible. Vintage glass apothecary jars work beautifully.
- Layer the orange slices and spices attractively so they can be seen through the glass. Start with larger pieces on the bottom, building up to smaller pieces near the top.
- Consider tying ribbon around the jar neck to add a pretty touch of color and texture that coordinates with your decor.
- Place potpourri-filled jars around the home where the light will shine through and illuminate the oranges. Good locations are on side tables, hearth mantles, entryway consoles, or kitchen counters.
- For more fragrance, periodically open the lid to allow the potpourri aroma to refresh the room. Stirring the blend also releases more scent.
- Change out old potpourri for a newly dried batch to keep the look and fragrance vibrant.
Displaying your homemade dried orange potpourri in beautiful jars is an easy way to add natural decor and scent to any room. As the potpourri dries and the aroma fades, you can make more using the simple steps in this article. Enjoy your homemade potpourri and the delightful citrus fragrance it adds to your home!
Conclusion
Creating your own dried orange potpourri is an easy and rewarding DIY project. With just oranges, some basic equipment, optional spices and oils, and a simple dehydration method, you can make potpourri that looks and smells beautiful. Prepping the oranges, slicing evenly, drying thoroughly without heat damage, and proper storage are the keys to success. Displayed in clear glass jars, the colorful orange slices will add a lovely natural decoration and refreshing citrus fragrance to any room. A homemade potpourri gift is sure to be appreciated by friends and family as well. The next time you come across fresh, bright oranges, consider turning them into sweet smelling potpourri you can enjoy for months to come.