How to Make a Fragrant Pomander Ball
Pomanders are fragrant balls, traditionally made with round fruits that are covered with aromatic spices. Usually, limes and oranges are used to make pomanders, and cloves are the most commonly used spice. These balls of fragrance originated in the Arab world in the 13th century, but they get their name from a French phrase: “pomme d’ambre”, which means “apple of amber”. Originally, pomander balls were made by wrapping lots of fragrant herbs up in a cloth bag, but today they are mostly made with fruits and spices. They make wonderful scented decorations, that can also be gifted to friends and family on occasions like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Things Required:
– 8 medium sized oranges (preferably thin skinned)
– 6 cups cloves –whole
– 2 cups cinnamon powder
– 4 cups Orris Root powder
– 1 and half cup Allspice powder
– 1 cup ground nutmeg
– A festive ribbon
Instructions
-
1
Start by rolling the oranges between the palms of your hands - this will make the fruit a bit soft, and thus easier to penetrate with the cloves. If the skin of the oranges is thick, there is a possibility that the cloves might break off when you try to push them into the fruit. To avoid this situation, poke holes into the surface of the orange using a push pin. Just insert and remove the pin, and then stick the cloves into the holes.
-
2
Arrange the cloves on the orange in a dotted pattern, in circles or in lines, depending upon your preference. However, make sure you leave enough space between the cloves, because the fruit will shrink over time, causing the cloves to cluster together.
-
3
In a medium sized mixing bowl, mix two cups of cinnamon powder, four cups of orris root powder, one and a half cup of allspice powder, and one cup of ground nutmeg. This mixture will serve as the preservative for the pomander balls.
-
4
Roll the clove studded oranges in the bowl containing the powdered mixture, ensuring that the small spaces between the cloves are filled with this mixture.
-
5
Place the oranges in dry boxes lined with paper towels, and store them in a warm place for about a month.
-
6
Once the oranges are completely dry, remove them from the boxes and shake off the excess powder.
-
7
Your fragrant pomander balls are now ready. Place them on a table, or tie them to the end of a festive ribbon and allow them to hang freely in a corner.
- 6 cups cloves –whole
- 2 cups cinnamon powder
- 4 cups Orris Root powder
- 1 and half cup Allspice powder
- 1 cup ground nutmeg
- A festive ribbonNext%20stop%3A%20Pinterest "Pin It")
