Simmer Pot Recipes Perfect for Spring & Summer
If you love a home that smells amazing but don’t want to use artificial fragrance, then making your own simmer pots is a great way to do just that! These simmer pot recipes will have your home smelling fresh and breezy for the warm weather months.
As we welcome warmer weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time of year to fill your home with spring season and summer-inspired scents. And a simmer pot is a great way to use natural ingredients to do this.
One of my favorite things about seasonal ingredients is how they can transform the atmosphere in your home without spending tons of money on commercial products. You can use things straight from your garden or pick the ingredients up at almost any grocery store.
Here are five of my favorite simmer pot recipes that have the refreshing scents of Spring & Summer.
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How to Select Ingredients for Your Simmer Pot
Choosing your own simmer pot ingredients is fun. Think about some of the scent combinations you are used to buying in the store and try to replicate it with natural ingredients.
Here’s a quick guide to picking the best elements for your stovetop potpourri:
- Citrus Fruits – Orange slices, lemon slices, grapefruit and lime all provide a refreshing, clean scent, perfect for any time of the year.
- Fresh Herbs – Rosemary, mint, and basil add a herbal aroma that goes perfect with fruit.
- Whole Spices – Cinnamon sticks, cloves and nutmegs add warmth, perfect for cozy scents.
- Fresh Fruit – Seasonal berries, apples, and even cucumber add sweet, subtle fragrance when simmered.
- Essential Oils & Extracts – A few drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or lemongrass are versatile and really enhance the scent of your simmer pot.
- Floral Elements – Try adding fresh or dried lavender flower or chamomile for a relaxing touch.
When selecting your ingredients, consider using leftovers from cooking, like fruit peels, vanilla beans, or fresh herbs that are nearing the end of their shelf life. This is a great way to reduce waste while keeping your home smelling fresh!
How to Make Your Simmer Pot
It’s so simple. Combine your selected ingredients in a medium to large pot and add enough water to fill. Bring it to a gentle simmer on your stovetop. Keep an eye on the pot of water to make sure it doesn’t dry out, adding more water as needed.
More Spring & Summer content you may enjoy:
Simmer Pot Recipes for Spring & Summer
1. Fresh Lemon & Rosemary Clean Scent
This spring simmer pot recipe is perfect for when you want a crisp, clean scent throughout your home.
Ingredients:
- Fresh lemons (sliced)
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a vanilla bean
- Enough water to fill a medium pot
2. Orange & Mint Energizing Blend
This bright and uplifting combination of ingredients is perfect for a morning refresh.
Ingredients:
- Orange slices
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Water to fill pot
3. Calming Lavender & Chamomile
If you love the calming scent of lavender, this recipe is for you! It’s perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
Ingredients:
- A handful of dried lavender flowers or a few drops of essential oils
- Chamomile tea bag, essential oil, or dried flowers
- Lemon slices
- Water
4. Lime, Mint & Cucumber
A light airy scent that keeps your home feeling cool and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced lime
- Handful of mint
- Water to fill pot
5. Grapefruit & Rosemary
This bright and invigorating blend is ideal for bringing a fresh scent to your home during the spring season.
Ingredients:
- 1 grapefruit, sliced
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean
- Enough water to fill a medium pot
Simmer Pot FAQ’s
How long should I let a simmer pot run?
You can let your simmer pot run for several hours, as long as you monitor the water level and add fresh water as needed to prevent it from drying out.
Can I reuse simmer pot ingredients?
Yes! You can reuse your simmer pot ingredients. Simply store them in the refrigerator and reheat them with enough water when you’re ready to use them again. Once you notice that the fragrance is getting weak, you can replace them.
Can I use a slow cooker for my simmer pot?
Absolutely! A slow cooker on low heat is a great option for keeping your simmer pot going all day without worrying about the stove.
Do simmer pots actually clean the air?
While they won’t replace an air purifier, simmer pots can help reduce odors and introduce a clean scent into your home using natural ingredients.
Can I use essential oils in my simmer pot?
Yes. A few drops of essential oils can enhance the scent.
Can I use frozen or dried ingredients in my simmer pot?
Absolutely. Frozen fruits work well and release their scent as they thaw. Dried herbs and spices are also great options since they have concentrated aromas that last longer when simmered.
Why Are Simmer Pots considered better for you?
Unlike store-bought air fresheners, which often contain artificial fragrance, simmer pots use whole fruit, whole spices, and fresh water to naturally scent your home. Plus, they’re a great way to reduce waste by using up peels, lemon slices, and leftover herbs.
What are some of your favorite simmer pot combinations to use during the warm weather months?
