Drawers and wardrobes are easy to overlook, but they are often where stored clothes and linen start to lose their freshness. Even freshly washed fabrics and linen can smell a little stale when they have been put away for a while. I usually use lavender in these smaller spaces, but with quinces in season and still quite understated , I wanted to try something a little different.
Quince is not the first fruit we think for home fragrance. Once cut, it releases a soft fruity aroma that can easily fill a kitchen, which is what made me curious to try it dried in a simple pot pourri and sachet.
Once dried , the scent is gentler but it adds a subtle fruity note that works beautifully with other ingredients.
Before getting into these scented recipes, here is the process I used to dry quince slices.
It is a simple but it does require a little patience, as quince takes time to dry fully.
How to Dry Quince Slices ( Step by Step)
1. SLICE THE QUINCE
Carefully slide the quince into thin rounds. The fruit is firm, so use a sharp knife and cut slowly.
2. LET THE SLICES AIR DRY - POST 24H
Spread the slices on a plate or tray and leave them in a dry air spot for 24 hours or so
NOTE: The white patches you see here are crystallised sugar, not mould. If your slices ever turn puffy or fuzzy that’s a sign of mould and in that case it is best to discard them.
3. OVEN-DRY TO REMOVE MOISTURE
Bake the slices at low heat (around 100 C) for a couple hours to help them dry evenly and prevent mould. You can do it just after slicing them.
Here I baked them 45min to prevent mould and decide to let it dry naturally.
4. LEAVE IT TO FINISH DRYING (1-2 WEEKS)
Let the slices rest for a week or more until they are completely dry and slightly crisp
Once our quince slides are fully dry, sort them by size: select the largest slices for the potpourri and the smaller bits for the scented sachet.
Scented Quince sachet
What You’ll Need:
Small dried quince pieces (a handful)
2 tablespoon dried lavender buds ( I got French lavender back home )
3-4 drops of essential oil (Sweet Orange or Bergamot are perfect
How to make:
Put quince pieces and lavender buds into your little fabric bag.
Add 3-4 drops of essential oil onto the quince slices so the scent clings to the fruit rather than staining the fabric
Close the bag and give it a shake.
How I use it:
I use these in drawers and other closed spaces that often need a gentle scent lift.
I used a scented sachet with a scented sheet underneath to keep drawers feeling fresher for longer
2. Simple Dried Quince Potpourri
What You’ll Need:
Larger dried quince slides
5-7 anise pods
1 cinnamon stick
Essential oil - You can choose Rose, Bergamot or Vanilla
A ramekin
A few dried rose petals (optional)
How to make:
1. Start placing the dried quince slices in a decorative bowl or shallow dish.
2. Tuck the star anise pods (they also look decorative).
3. Add cinnamon stick if you like.
4. Add a a couple drops of your chosen essential oil on some of the quince slices - they absorb oil beautifully.
You’ll have a lovely mix of fruit + spice + floral fragrance if you opt for the rose scent.
How I use it:
I tucked that small bowl into the bottom of the wardrobe, where the scent could release gently in an enclosed space, especially from the anise pods.
Final Thought
If you’ve tried a quicker way to dry quince… eventually with an air fryer, I’d love to hear how it worked for you!
