How to make Christmas Pomanders

Pomanders will add a wonderful scent to your home. Apples were frequently used as the pomander base during the Colonial period because oranges were too expensive. Pomanders today are usually made from oranges.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• apples
• oranges
• lemons
• limes
• crab apples
• kumquats
• fruit for base whole cloves
• powdered/ground spices such as: o cloves o cinnamon o ginger o nutmeg o powdered/ground orris root

1. Mix the spices and orris root together. This mixture will help your pomander dry and increase its fragrance. It also helps preserve the pomander. Use about one part orris root to four parts spice mixture.
2. Select firm, ripe fruit with no blemishes. Oranges, apples and lemons and limes work great. Use a skewer or a fork and poke holes in the fruit.
3. Push the stem of the clove into the fruit. Place the cloves close together on the fruit, this will make the fruit last a very long time. You can space them farther apart and make a decorative pattern, just note the fruit won't last as long.
4. When the orange or apple is completely covered with cloves, roll it in the spice and orris root mixture.
5. Leave it in the spices and put the fruit and spices in a cool, dark place.
   Each day, until the fruit dries, roll it in the spices.
6. When the pomanders are dry, tie a bright ribbon around them and heap in bowl. You can also run a ribbon through the pomanders and use the ribbon to hang them on the Christmas tree.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want a stronger citrus fragrance, combine the traditional pomander described above with more contemporary designs.
• The traditional pomander can be stored for years.