Bayberry Potpourri
A gentle, resinous room fragrance made from well-dried bayberry fruits (after wax extraction) blended with warm, wintry aromatics. Store in bowls or cotton sachets to release scent slowly over weeks.
Equipment
- Baking sheet + parchment (for final drying)
- Mixing bowl and spoon
- Clean jars or cotton sachets
- Labels and pen
Ingredients
- Dried bayberry fruits post wax extraction, thoroughly dry
- Optional aromatic additions: dried orange peel cinnamon sticks, pine needles, dried flowers (e.g., lavender, rose)
- Optional fixative: 1 tsp orris root powder to anchor scent
- Optional: 2–4 drops essential oil cedar, fir, orange
Instructions
- Dry completely: Spread bayberries on a parchment-lined tray and air-dry 24–48 hours (or 1–2 hours at 40–50 °C / 105–120 °F with the oven door slightly ajar) until crisp-dry.
- Mix: In a bowl, combine bayberries with orange peel, cinnamon sticks, pine needles, and flowers.
- Fix & scent (optional): Stir in a little orris root powder and sprinkle on a few drops of essential oil; mix well.
- Cure: Transfer to a closed jar and let sit 24 hours to marry the aromas, or fill cotton sachets for immediate use.
- Place: Display in open bowls or tuck sachets into drawers and closets.
Notes
- Refresh: Add 1–2 drops essential oil and toss to revive scent after a few weeks.
- Variations: Add star anise, cedar shavings, or a strip of dried lemon peel.
- Sustainability: This is a great second life for berries used in wax extraction.
- Safety
- For external use only; do not ingest.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store dry, away from heat sources and open flames.