Fruit Pomanders
Make clove-studded fruit pomanders with simple spices. Tips for prepping, drying, storing, and keeping them fragrant for years.
We made these for holiday craft projects in grade school. They also doubled as inexpensive handmade gifts. You can try any fruit for this project, but citrus fruits tend to work the best.
Adorn your dinner table with these festive and fragrant decorations. Pomander is an anglicized version of the French "pomme d'ambre," meaning amber apple; a decorative ball that held perfumes and incense.
Submitted by: Lisa Tareski from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Stud fresh fruit with whole cloves, roll in a spiced mix, then dry fully to preserve scent and shape.
- Use orris root as a fixative and a low-humidity spot or low oven heat to speed drying and avoid mold.
- Hang with ribbon or place in drawers to scent rooms or repel moths; keep away from pets and kids.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fruits work best for pomanders?
Citrus like oranges, lemons, and limes work best because their peels hold oils and dry well. Apples and pears also work but need more drying time. Choose firm, blemish-free fruit.
What are the step-by-step instructions?
Mix the ground spices. Optionally remove a strip of zest for decoration. Use a skewer or knitting needle to poke holes, then press whole cloves into the holes about 1/4 inch apart. Roll the studded fruit in the spice mix so the surface is coated. Air dry or use gentle heat until fully dried.
How long does drying take and how can I speed it up?
Air drying takes several weeks depending on fruit size and humidity. To speed it up, dry in a low oven or dehydrator at about 150 to 170 degrees F (65 to 75 degrees C) for a few hours, turning occasionally. Check often so the fruit does not cook.
How do I prevent mold or spoilage?
Poke holes before inserting cloves so they seat cleanly. Dry in a cool, well ventilated, low humidity spot and rotate fruit as it dries. Using orris root in the spice mix helps absorb moisture. Discard any fruit that becomes soft or moldy.
How long will a finished pomander last?
When fully dried, pomanders can last for years. The scent will fade over time. To refresh aroma, rub in a few drops of essential oil or re-roll in the spice mix.
Can I hang pomanders or use them in closets?
Yes. Tie a ribbon to hang them as decorations or hang in closets. You can also place them in drawers or breathable sachets to help deter moths. They are not a guaranteed pest control, but the strong scent helps.
What is the orris root powder for?
Orris root acts as a fixative that helps hold and extend the scent. It also absorbs surface moisture so the spices stick better and drying goes more evenly.
Are pomanders safe around pets or people with allergies?
Keep pomanders out of reach of pets and small children. Spices and citrus oils can upset stomachs or cause irritation if ingested. If you or someone has spice or citrus allergies, avoid using or place them where contact is unlikely.
Which fruits work best for pomanders?
Citrus like oranges, lemons, and limes work best because their peels hold oils and dry well. Apples and pears also work but need more drying time. Choose firm, blemish-free fruit.
What are the step-by-step instructions?
Mix the ground spices. Optionally remove a strip of zest for decoration. Use a skewer or knitting needle to poke holes, then press whole cloves into the holes about 1/4 inch apart. Roll the studded fruit in the spice mix so the surface is coated. Air dry or use gentle heat until fully dried.
How long does drying take and how can I speed it up?
Air drying takes several weeks depending on fruit size and humidity. To speed it up, dry in a low oven or dehydrator at about 150 to 170 degrees F (65 to 75 degrees C) for a few hours, turning occasionally. Check often so the fruit does not cook.
How do I prevent mold or spoilage?
Poke holes before inserting cloves so they seat cleanly. Dry in a cool, well ventilated, low humidity spot and rotate fruit as it dries. Using orris root in the spice mix helps absorb moisture. Discard any fruit that becomes soft or moldy.
How long will a finished pomander last?
When fully dried, pomanders can last for years. The scent will fade over time. To refresh aroma, rub in a few drops of essential oil or re-roll in the spice mix.
Can I hang pomanders or use them in closets?
Yes. Tie a ribbon to hang them as decorations or hang in closets. You can also place them in drawers or breathable sachets to help deter moths. They are not a guaranteed pest control, but the strong scent helps.
What is the orris root powder for?
Orris root acts as a fixative that helps hold and extend the scent. It also absorbs surface moisture so the spices stick better and drying goes more evenly.
Are pomanders safe around pets or people with allergies?
Keep pomanders out of reach of pets and small children. Spices and citrus oils can upset stomachs or cause irritation if ingested. If you or someone has spice or citrus allergies, avoid using or place them where contact is unlikely.
@ ck b,
You can use a bartender’s citrus tool to score the oranges.
The pomanders are supposed to be rolled in spices once it is decorated.
To match the oranges in the photo, what is used to score them? Then from the list, how are those ground spices supposed to be used? The oranges in the photo don’t appear to have spice dust on them.
Why not sell a pomander bundle for diy crafters this holiday? You could add orris root to that. Easy gift idea. We just buy fruit; good to gift or make.
just have a question – how come the fruit doesn’t rot? it must shrivel up. want to try it though. i’ve always wanted to make a pomander. tks for the recipe, Ellen
I made this with my daughter when she was little. Now I would like to make it with my granddaughter. Where do I get the Orris Root Powder since it is not on your list?
The fruit doesn’t rot (or shouldn’t; success rate for my pomander balls is around 80%) because the spices are a preservative.