How to Make Simmering Eucalyptus Potpourri
Potpourri provides continuous, lasting fragrance. While some potpourri mixes are expensive to purchase, ingredients for homemade potpourris can be relatively inexpensive and worth the effort. Eucalyptus potpourri, made into a simmering liquid, provides a wonderful fragrance that is good for body and soul. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Medium saucepan
- 2 cups rose petals
- ¼ cup chamomile flowers
- ½ cup eucalyptus leaves
- Rose oil
- Unflavored gelatin
Instructions
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Prepare the ingredients. You can make eucalyptus potpourri in a variety of ways. However, for a good simmering potpourri, dry the eucalyptus first. If you own a eucalyptus branch or plant, use leaves that have lost much of their original pungency. Dust them off to remove all dirt and other materials; remove the leaves from the branch and lay out to dry.
Once it's dried, combine the eucalyptus with other ingredients. For a rose-based potpourri with strong eucalyptus overtones, combine two cups rose petals, one-quarter cup of chamomile flowers and a half cup of eucalyptus leaves. Lightly crush the leaves. Add 20 drops of rose oil to the mixture.
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Cook and cool the mixture. Place the pot of ingredients on the stove, and add one quart of water. Cook on a low heat until the mixture simmers. Let it simmer for a few hours, adding water as necessary, until the fragrance fills the house and the leaves are all cooked down. To preserve the liquid for later use, strain the flowers out as your pour the water into a measuring cup. For every half cup of liquid, add one package of unflavored gelatin and five drops of eucalyptus oil. Stir until dissolved, then pour into prepared baby food jars, large canning jars or tart-shaped molds. Cover the potpourri, let the mixture cool overnight, and store until ready for use.
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When you want to simmer the potpourri, remove the lid from the jar or unwrap the prepared gel tart. Place the jar over a potpourri warmer or on a stove while cooking. However, do not place it directly over high heat. For gel tarts, place the tart in a potpourri burner or tart warmer, and activate the heat source. Allow the mixture to melt and simmer until it is no longer scented.
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Tips & Warnings
Since eucalyptus is so strong, a small amount will add much fragrance to any potpourri recipe. Consider adding ¼ cup to flower-based potpourri recipes. Do not add too much, or it will overpower the mixture.
Ensure the jars are thoroughly cleaned before adding the potpourri or mold could grow inside the jars. If mold still continues to grow, consider adding 1 tsp of salt to the mixture before cooling. (See Reference 1)
