Make a food scrap simmer pot (Christmas simmer pot)

If you haven‘t made a Christmas simmer pot before, stop what you‘re doing and let me show you how to make a food scrap simmer pot that‘ll have your home smell amazing. It‘s a natural way to use food scraps in your own home and make a homemade air freshener without artificial scents. 

Do you know what I love most about Christmas and the winter months? The smell! Walking through town, each corner has its own unique smell of ginger bread, mulled wine, citrus, sweet apple cider and pine. Just to name a few. To me, it‘s the most magical time of year! Everything slows down. People come together for hot drinks at candlelight, cozy blankets are a must have accessory and there is no shame in helping yourself to a daily plate of cookies. 

One big coffee chain has nailed the concept of Christmas years ago, drawing in the crowds. Others slowly follow suit, creating their own magical combination of scents. The problem I have with this is that it only smells of Christmas outside of my house. We put in so much work to make our homes cozy, but need to rely on artificially scented candles to create the unique seasonal smell. 

Not anymore. Let me show you how to make a food scrap simmer pot that turns your house into a Christmas haven. This great way to make Christmas simmer pot is cheap and easy to make, can be used on your stove, fireplace or over a simple tea light, and can be composted when its time has come. A beautiful, non toxic alternative to any store bought scents you will find, this Christmas simmer pot combines a number of staple foods that are often leftover. So let‘s dive in and learn how to make a food scrap simmer pot.

Christmas simmer pot ingredients

Apple – this is a great opportunity to use up any not so fresh anymore apples you might have. You know, the one that takes the daily lunchbox trip to school with your kids. 

Orange – same here, use up any not so fresh orange. I often use the odd dry ones, or a few citrus peels my kids have left from their snack time. 

Cinnamon – the ultimate Christmas spice is a must have in my eyes

Cloves – whole cloves or ground, use whatever is available. Simmer pots are great to use up expired spices in your pantry, instead of letting them go to waste.

Chinese Five Spice – I really like the smell of five spice and often use it in Christmas cooking and baking.

Rosemary sprigs – This is again a great opportunity to give your herbs a well needed trim. Use whatever fresh rosemary you can spare

Fennel seed – I love to add a sprinkle of fennel seed to my simmer pot. Maybe it‘s just in my head, but I feel it helps balance the herbs and spices.

Water to dilute and top up whenever the simmer pot is running low.

Tips for your Christmas simmer pot

If you are reading through my How to make a food scrap simmer pot post and find yourself writing a shopping list, don‘t. While I won‘t stop you from adding some extra herbs and spices, you will likely have quite a few Christmas smells already in your home. Orange can be swapped for any other citrus fruit and instead of an apple you could use a pear or apple juice. Maybe a dash of red wine is left in last night‘s bottle. If so, add it to the pot. This is a great opportunity to re-acquaint yourself with your spice cabinet. Give it a smell and if it reminds you of Christmas, add it to the pot. 

While my recipe is for a single serve that will cover about a day or two, feel free to go big on this one. Simmer pots are a great opportunity to avoid food waste, and I often base my pot size on the amount of produce I want to use up. 

Simmer pots can be placed on the stove on low heat, but if you have a fireplace or simple heater that‘s turned on anyway, place the pot on top of it instead. Not only will this method save you electricity, but it will also provide you with a more constant heat source, that can keep the pot going over night. 

If you like my Christmas simmer pot, try these Christmas items next:

DIY Christmas stars

Warming bratapfel porridge

Nut free granola

Sourdough oatmeal choc chip cookies

Sourdough carrot loaf

Honey glazed carrots

How to make a food scrap simmer pot from scratch

Before you begin to prepare your ingredients, find a heat proof small saucepan or dish to use as your simmer pot. Choose the item based on your heat source. For stove tops, choose an actual pot. To place the simmer pot above a heater or wood burner, a heat proof dish may suffice. 

Let’s start with our fresh ingredients. Slice an apple and an orange into thin slices. Add the fresh fruit and fruit peels to the pot or dish. 

Add your whole spices and sprigs of rosemary. 

Top everything with water until just submerged. If using a heat proof dish to place on the heater or wood burner, use boiling water.

Bring your pot to the boil, then keep simmering on the lowest setting. Alternatively, place the dish on top of your heat source. 

Keep monitoring the water level every couple of hours and top it up with more fresh water when running low or leaving the house. 

Compost the ingredients after a day or when no longer fragrant. 

Frequently asked questions

What can I use for a simmer pot?

To create a beautiful smell in your home, use a selection of fragrant fruits like citrus, together with potent herbs and spices. In colder months, opting for cozy smells like cloves, cinnamon or rosemary create a warming, homely scent. In the warmer months, fresher aromas can be created by using mint, coconut or ginger. 

Simmer pots are an ideal opportunity to use up any excess produce. Save any peels or herbs to create a wonderful homely scent. I often add lots of spices to my simmer pots and focus on the ones about to expire. 

How long does simmer pot smell last?

Depending on the combination of seasonal fruits and herbs, your simmer pot smell can last for up to 2-3 days. You will need to monitor the water levels and top up cups of water as required. I personally prefer to rotate my simmer pots every day or so, as fresh produce starts to smell a little off if left too long. If made with only ground spices like whole cinnamon sticks and star anise, you might be able to make the festive scent last a little longer.

What to simmer to make my house smell good?

Simmer pots are easy, natural room scents that will transform your home. Using a mixture of natural, good quality ingredients found at your grocery store is one of my favorite ways to make my home extra inviting. Favourite ingredients of mine are citrus fruit like orange slices and orange peels, grapefruit, lime and lemon, combined with fragrant herbs and spices, or essential oils. The go to herbs from my own garden are rosemary, lavender and mint. Pantry staples I often add are cinnamon, vanilla and clove. Have a read through my Christmas simmer pot recipe, or get creative with your own fragrant combination.

What is the point of a holiday simmer pot?

The most magical part of the holiday season is hands down the smell. Everything transform into a cozy wonderland, filling your nostrils with scents of mulled wine, pine and gingerbread. Instead of spending copious amounts of money on artificially scented candles, a holiday simmer pot allows you to bring the smell of Christmas into your home on a much more eco (and budget) friendly basis. 

Can you leave a simmer pot on overnight?

Simmer pots are a great alternative to scented candles. Not only are these pots of goodness much more eco friendly, but won‘t burn your house down if kept on at night. The thing to remember is that a simmer pot should not be kept on your stove over night – or ever – if unattended. Where you could however leave it instead is above another warm place, like your heater or wood burner. Make sure you are using a heat resistant pot and fill it with more than enough water to last through the night. If in doubt, remove your simmer pot from the heat source before going to bed and keep simmering it once you arise the next morning. 

Are simmer pots healthier than candles?

Generally speaking, a simmer pot blend is healthier than a scented candles, yes. A lot of commercially bought candles contain synthetic fragrance, which can cause all sorts of irritations. The best simmer pot recipes are commonly made from natural ingredients like fruit, herbs and warm spices, which are added to water and brought to a simmer. The heat evaporates the scents, creating a beautiful aroma in your home. Because you are in full control of your simmer pot‘s ingredients, you can choose items safe for you and your family.