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By TOMMY WILLIAMS
Extension Agent. Agriculture
Several members of the Virginia Herb Growers and Marketers Association earn substantial income through sales of a value-added product called potpourri.
Potpourris are mixtures of flowers, herbs, oils and other aromatic material that are usually kept in a decorative container. Whenever the lid is removed an uplifting aroma fills the air. Potpourris are usually beautiful to look at as well because of the flower petals and natural materials used.
The use of this craft product is especially popular throughout the Christmas holiday season. One particular potpourri labeled as “The Smell of Christmas” has enjoyed brisk sales in recent years.
In fact, there is currently a potpourri craze going on in the United States. Potpourri is one of the very best selling items in gift stores today. Potpourri displays may be seen in most supermarket chain stores so it has become a common household consumer item.
Beginning herb growers w’ho try to sell herb plants, fresh cut herbs, herb teas and other herb products should not be afraid to make and sell their own homemade potpourris. Beginners will not be able to match the quality of the large, national potpourri companies when they first get started. Beginners can, however, package the product attractively and merchandise with vigor.
A beginner who is willing to learn, who has inspiration and a keen nose may eventually learn how to create music in scent. Everyone has to start from the same beginning point.
The three basic elements in a potpourri include the bulk, the fixative and fragrance oil. Bulk materials are flowers, leaves, herbs, and spices. Dried flowers that might be used in making a basic potpourri include chamomile, lavender, jasmine, rose, elder and cornflower. Leaves could include balm, basil, bay, lavender, scented geranium, sage, woodruff, thyme, eucalyptus, patchouli, and wintergreen. Spices could include allspice, caraway, cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace and nutmeg.
The fixative is a substance that gives permanence to the main scent. Commonly used ones are oak moss, orris root, calamus root, hibiscus flowers, and very small pine cones.
Fragrance oils include rose, vanilla, jasmine, peach, coconut, honeysuckle, carnation, magnolia and many, many more.
To make potpourri, the fixative and the fragrance oils are first aged together and then added to the bulk
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