If you love hosting and making your home really welcoming, try this Spring Simmer Pot. This easy DIY aroma is a beautiful alternative to a store bought fragrance. Completely natural, I love the fresh and non-toxic smell it fills my home with. You can have it simmer on the stove in just a few minutes and its fragrance is fresher than a candle! I love this one’s lemon fresh and vibrant aroma, but you can play around with other fruits, herbs and spices. It’s so customizable. I find this a quick and easy way to turn my home into an instant oasis with a little pop of citrus and mint. So simple! For other simmer pots, try my Fall Simmer Pot and Winter Simmer Pot recipes. This recipe for Apple Cinnamon Tea is a sippable tea, but also fills my home with an incredible fragrance when I make it.
What is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot is a pot of water and aromatic ingredients that sit on your stove, simmering away, to fragrance the air. Whether I’m making a winter simmer pot or one for the warmer months, like this Spring Simmer Pot, they’re all an easy and nostalgic way to get my home smelling incredible.
Simmer pots go back centuries and are some of the original air fresheners to cleanse the air with. People used pots of water and simmering herbs, fruit, flowers and spices to fragrance their homes and workplaces. You can also find simmer pot recipes for cleansing in some cultures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m obsessed with how this Spring Simmer Pot fills my home with fresh, lush scent. Zero artificial air fresheners needed.
The bright and citrusy ingredients are cooling and refreshing. They lift the atmosphere in my apartment and I just love it!
While this is one of my favorite simmer pots for spring, its also customizable – I’ve included a few ideas for other herbs, flowers and spices further down.
It takes 5 minutes to bring to a simmer. Honestly, minimal effort! Quick and easy.
It’s 100% natural and eco-friendly and is a great way to reduce waste if you want to use citrus peels or herbs that are past their prime.
My simmer pot recipes are all safe for kids and pets when you use them carefully – of course, be careful with open flames and hot pot handles, etc.
Simmer pots add a touch of calm, coziness and whimsy. I’m here for it!
Equipment Needed
I used a knife and a cutting board to slice the ingredients and a large pot to simmer in.
Ingredients Needed
Mint: I use a whole bunch of fresh mint in my Spring Simmer Pot recipe.
Lemon: Choose a juicy, ripe lemon with a fragrant skin.
Grapefruit: Any color will do – what’s key is that the fruit is ripe and smells bright and citrusy.
Lime: As with the other citrus, you need a bright, citrus scent on your lime.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Round up your ingredients for your Spring Simmer Pot. Wash the citrus well.
Step 2: Slice the citrus fruits into rounds.
Step 3: Pour the water into a medium to large pot and add the fruit and mint.
Step 4: Simmer gently to enjoy the lovely fresh spring fragrance as it wafts through your home.
Storage
You can store leftover Spring Simmer Pot ingredients in a container in the refrigerator for a few days (about 3). You should let it cool completely before storing it.
Top up your mixture with more water if you need to and keep simmering.
Variations
Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthier fragrance. Lemongrass leaves smell incredible, too, in your lemon simmer pot.
It’s more fall, less spring, but adding in whole cinnamon sticks smells so good!
Try adding a few sprigs of eucalyptus. It gives that spa fragrance – invigorating and clean. This is a great combination with the mint and lemon.
Include a few slices of fresh or dried pineapple and even a little coconut extract for a beachside fragrance.
A lavender simmer pot is pretty classic – use fresh or dried lavender, both work well.
I love adding a piece of fresh ginger for a warming, zesty undertone.
Recipe FAQ
What else can you add to a spring simmer pot?
Stick to light, fresh and clean floral scents for a Spring Simmer Pot. You can add in other herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary or dried or fresh fruits. Try rose petals or lavender. Vanilla bean pods and fresh ginger are lovely too. You can even add essential oils.
How long can I keep a simmer pot going?
This Spring Simmer Pot can keep going for a long time, just remember to keep your eyes on the pot and top it up every 30 minutes to an hour.
Can you eat the simmer pot ingredients?
I wouldn’t, no.
Are there any safety tips I should follow with a simmer pot?
Yes, I always keep an eye on the pot and don’t leave it unattended on the stove. The water level should be monitored constantly. The handles should be turned inwards and away from the edge of the stove (out of reach).
Can I use a slow cooker instead of a pot?
Absolutely! This is a hands-off option for summer pots. Set the cooker to low or warm and enjoy the smell for yours without having to check your stove.
Related Recipes
Got lemons? Here’s what else you can do with them:
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes
If you make this Spring Simmer Pot and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
Spring Simmer Pot
Equipment
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 pot
Ingredients
- 1 bunch mint
- 1 lemon
- 1 grapefruit
- 1 lime
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Cut citrus into slices.
- Add water, fruit and mint into a pot.
- Simmer over low heat and enjoy the spring fragrance!
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