Simmering potpourri in a crock pot is the easiest way to fill your home with a natural, long-lasting fragrance without burning candles or using chemical sprays. You simply combine fruit, herbs, and spices with water in a slow cooker and let it gently steam for hours. This method is foolproof, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable to match any season or mood.
Ingredients
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon (6 g) whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon (6 g) whole allspice berries
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) dried thyme
- 6 cups (1.4 L) water, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Place the orange, lemon, and apple slices in the bottom of a 4-quart (3.8 L) or larger slow cooker.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise, rosemary, and thyme.
- Pour the water over the fruit and spices. The water should cover the ingredients; add more if needed.
- Cover the crock pot and set it to LOW. Let it simmer for at least 2 hours to start scenting the room.
- Leave it on LOW for up to 8 hours, checking every couple of hours and adding more water as it evaporates to keep the ingredients from drying out.
- When you are done for the day, turn off the slow cooker and let the potpourri cool completely before discarding the solids.
Tips
- Keep it topped up: The most common mistake is letting the water run low, which can scorch the fruit and spices. Check every 2 hours and add warm water to keep the level consistent.
- Use fresh citrus: Fresh orange and lemon slices release far more essential oils than dried ones, so the scent is stronger and more vibrant. If using dried fruit, increase the amount by half.
- Substitute spices: No star anise? Use 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds or an extra cinnamon stick. Out of allspice? Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (add it later to avoid cloudiness).
- Don’t leave it unattended overnight: While a slow cooker is safe to run unattended, the water will evaporate eventually. If you want to run it while you sleep, fill it to the brim and set it on WARM, but be prepared to add water in the morning.
Serving Suggestions
Place the crock pot on a heatproof trivet in the center of a room where you’ll be spending time. It works beautifully in a living room during a rainy afternoon, in a bedroom while you read, or as a welcoming scent in an entryway. For a festive touch, float a few cranberries or a sprig of fresh pine on top (if using pine, remove before it dries).
Variations
- Spiced Apple Cider: Replace the orange and lemon with 2 apples, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
- Citrus & Herb: Use only oranges and lemons, add 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh sage leaves and 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary instead of the dried herbs.
- Winter Pine: Add 1 cup (150 g) fresh cranberries and 2 small sprigs of fresh pine or spruce (remove before they dry out).
- Floral Spring: Replace the apple with 1 cup (30 g) of dried lavender flowers and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Omit the rosemary and thyme.
Storage and Reheating
You can reuse the same potpourri for up to 3 days. After the first day, strain the liquid and refrigerate the solids in a sealed container. To reuse, place the solids back in the crock pot, add fresh water, and simmer on LOW. The scent will be weaker each day, so you may want to add a few extra drops of essential oil or a fresh cinnamon stick. Discard after 3 days or when the fruit starts to look mushy or smell sour. Do not leave the potpourri at room temperature for more than 2 hours after it has cooled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular pot on the stove instead? Yes, you can simmer the same ingredients in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, but you’ll need to watch it more closely and add water more frequently. A crock pot is safer if you plan to leave it for a few hours.
How much water should I start with? Start with 6 cups (1.4 L) for a 4-quart slow cooker. The water should cover the fruit and spices. You’ll add more as it evaporates, usually 1–2 cups (240–480 ml) every 2–3 hours.
Why does my potpourri smell weak? A weak scent usually means the water is too high (diluting the oils) or the fruit is old and dry. Use fresh, fragrant fruit and keep the water level just covering the ingredients. You can also add 2–3 drops of essential oil (like orange or cinnamon) to boost the scent.
Can I leave the crock pot on all day? Yes, on LOW it’s safe to leave for 8 hours, but you must check the water level every couple of hours. If it runs dry, the potpourri can scorch and create an unpleasant burnt smell. Set a timer to remind yourself to add water.
Is it safe to use a slow cooker for potpourri? Absolutely, as long as you use a dedicated crock pot that you don’t use for food afterward. The essential oils can linger in the ceramic and affect the taste of food. Label it clearly or use a cheap secondhand one.
Can I freeze the potpourri? Yes, you can freeze the fruit and spice mixture (without water) for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then add water and simmer as directed. The scent will be slightly less intense but still pleasant.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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