Description
Create fragrant and decorative orange and clove pomanders, perfect for freshening drawers, closets, and rooms with a delightful citrus and spicy aroma. These lovely scented balls, commonly associated with the Christmas season, can be enjoyed year-round and make charming handmade gifts or home decor.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized orange, firm and unblemished
- Approximately 1/2 ounce whole cloves (bottle)
- Sharp pointed object (ice pick or small knitting needle)
- About 1/4 cup dried spices (a mix of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and coriander)
- About 1/2 teaspoon orris root (optional, acts as a fixative)
- Ribbon or yarn, large enough to create a hanging loop
Instructions
- Prepare the holes: Carefully use the sharp pointed object to make small holes in the skin of the orange. Insert the stem of each clove into these holes so the head of the clove rests on the orange’s skin. Adjust hole size to ensure cloves fit snugly without falling out.
- Stud the orange with cloves: Continue poking holes spaced about 1/8 to 1/4 inch apart around the entire orange surface and insert cloves into each hole until fully covered. Leaving space prevents the cloves from crowding as the orange dries and shrinks.
- Coat with spices: In a bowl, mix the dried spices together with the orris root if using. Roll the clove-studded orange in this spice blend until evenly coated, imparting more fragrance and protection.
- Dry the pomander: Place the orange in a dry room-temperature spot, turning it periodically for even drying. Allow several weeks to dry completely. To speed drying, use a gas oven with a pilot light on or the lowest oven setting, ensuring it stays cool enough to avoid cooking the orange.
- Check shrunk orange: When fully dried, the orange will shrink and the cloves will pack tightly together on its surface.
- Add ribbon for hanging: Wrap a ribbon around the dried orange starting at the top, crossing underneath, and tying a bow at the top. Use another small piece of ribbon or yarn to make a loop for hanging your pomander in closets or rooms.
Notes
- Orris root is optional but helps the scent last longer.
- Spacing cloves properly is key to accommodate shrinking during drying.
- Drying time varies but typically takes several weeks; use oven only to lightly warm air for faster drying.
- These pomanders make lovely gifts or seasonal decorations.
- Keep pomanders away from excessive moisture to avoid mold.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required; drying takes 3 to 4 weeks
- Category: Homemade Fragrant Decor
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Decorative Craft
Keywords: pomander, orange and clove, homemade air freshener, scented orange ball, natural fragrance, holiday decor, citrus spice decoration
