Apple Clove Pomander for Fall

A clove pomander is simply a fruit, like an apple or orange, embedded with whole cloves. The cloves are typically placed in a patter or design, and the effect is a lovely decorated piece that makes the whole room smell good.

Since I am planning a project for a fall classroom party, I decided to use some fresh (and on SALE gala apples). Apples are a good choice for children, as they can poke through the skins easily. Oranges may prove to be a bit more challenging, and you need a toothpick to 'pre-make' the clove holes.

I purchased cloves at Whole Foods, and then realized I should of ordered online for bulk. It's much cheaper, even with shipping. Here is one place I found that is inexpensive: Bulk Herbs and Spices

As my sample clove pomander, I made a 'jack-o-lattern' pattern with cloves on a medium yellow-red apple. My kitchen already smells nice, and I know the kids will have a great time coming up with their own creations.

Tip: When making a fruit pomander, make sure to put it on a paper plate/or napkin, especially if this is a craft project at school. The juice squirts out when you poke the whole cloves through!

Tip: Make sure to send a note home with children informing parents what the creation is. There are many parents out there who don't know what a pomander is, plus you don't want this one sitting on the bottom of a backpack for a few weeks. It may smell nice now, but in a few weeks --- pee-uuuu.

Fruit Pomander History

Orange and apple pomanders were popular in Victorian times to mask the smells of daily life such as body odor,and household smells.

Bathing in the middle ages was thought to be a prelude to sin, so the people found ways to mask the odour of unwashed bodies.  A good way to do this was to carry a pomander.