If I love filling my home with inviting aromas but hate the idea of tossing kitchen scraps in the trash (I feel so bad every time I have to throw out scraps!), then making kitchen scrap simmer pots from leftovers is the perfect solution for me! And in this post I’m going to show you how to make use of some of your kitchen scraps too.
A simmer pot uses simple ingredients like citrus peels, herb stems, and other natural scraps to create lovely, natural scents that enhance my home all year round. It’s a wonderful way to reduce waste while enjoying fresh, cozy aromas, so let’s explore how I turn my everyday scraps into simmer pot magic.
Kitchen Scrap Simmer Pot Ideas
1. Citrus Peels: Zesty, Fresh Aromas
Citrus peels are a simmer pot staple thanks to their vibrant, uplifting scents. The essential oils in the peels of oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits bring a fresh aroma that can work in any season. I like them because their natural oils are released quickly in warm water, filling my home with fragrance in no time.
- How to Use: Save your citrus peels instead of tossing them, and if you want to stock up, store them in the freezer in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to use them, simply add the peels to a pot of water, along with any additional spices or herbs you like.
- Bonus Tip: For a classic, cozy scent, add a cinnamon stick and a few cloves to the pot. For a summery feel, pair your peels with fresh rosemary or mint leaves.
2. Herb Stems and Leaves: Earthy, Herbal Notes
When recipes call for only the leaves of fresh herbs, I’m often left with the stems—but these leftovers are simmer pot gold! Stems and wilting leaves from herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and mint bring earthy, cozy scents that pair beautifully with citrus or spice.
- How to Use: Toss leftover stems and any wilting leaves into the simmer pot. Rosemary stems are especially nice with lemon peels, while mint goes wonderfully with orange.
- Bonus Tip: Create a Mediterranean-inspired simmer pot by pairing rosemary stems with lemon peels, or go for a refreshing spring scent with mint and citrus.
3. Apple Cores and Peels: Sweet, Warm Fragrance
Apples offer a natural sweetness, making them perfect for simmering, especially in the fall. The peels and cores from apples lend a warm, inviting scent (which I love!) that can stand on its own or pair beautifully with classic spices.
- How to Use: After enjoying or preparing apples, save the peels and cores and add them to a pot of water. They blend wonderfully with cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise.
- Bonus Tip: For a classic autumn aroma, try combining apple scraps, a cinnamon stick, and a few whole cloves for a warm, sweet fragrance.
4. Ginger Peels and Scraps: Spicy, Invigorating Aroma
While I don’t love the TASTE of ginger, fresh ginger root adds a bright, spicy SCENT to simmer pots, and its peel is packed with just as much fragrance as the root itself. If you use ginger in your cooking, instead of discarding ginger peels, save them for a warm, spicy aroma that works especially well in winter or cool weather.
- How to Use: Add a handful of ginger peels or any leftover ginger root to your pot. The warmth of ginger pairs wonderfully with orange peels or a dash of vanilla extract.
- Bonus Tip: For a cozy winter scent, pair ginger with orange peels and a touch of vanilla for an uplifting aroma that fills your home with a sense of warmth.
5. Overripe or Wilting Fruit: Floral, Sweet Notes
When I have fruit that’s just a little past its prime, I don’t have to just toss it out—slightly overripe fruit like berries, pears, or apples add a lovely, subtle sweetness to a simmer pot. They release a light, fruity scent that’s perfect for spring and summer.
- How to Use: Cut up any overripe fruit and toss it into the pot. You can combine it with herbs, spices, or even a few citrus peels for a complex, layered aroma.
- Bonus Tip: Try apple and rosemary together for a refreshing scent, or lemon and pear for a soft, floral aroma.
6. Spices and Tea Bags: Warm, Cozy Scents
Spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise are simmer pot classics. Mmmm, yummy! But don’t forget to save used tea bags as well! Spiced or herbal teas add depth to a simmer pot and can be a great way to reuse tea bags instead of discarding them.
- How to Use: Simply toss a used tea bag or any leftover spices into your pot. Chai or fruity teas work particularly well for warm, comforting scents.
- Bonus Tip: For a perfect fall aroma, use a chai tea bag with apple scraps and a cinnamon stick.
7. Onion Skins and Garlic Peels: Unexpected Aromas for Bold Scents
I know it might sound odd, but onion skins and garlic peels can actually add a unique, earthy aroma to a simmer pot when used sparingly. These scraps pair best with stronger herbs to create a rustic, earthy scent that’s perfect for cool weather.
- How to Use: Add a small amount of onion skin or a few garlic peels along with rosemary, thyme, or sage for an unusual but pleasant aroma.
- Bonus Tip: Use sparingly and pair with robust herbs to balance the scent. Try rosemary and garlic together for a rustic, woodsy fragrance.
FAQs
Kitchen scrap simmer pots are a way to use leftover kitchen scraps, such as citrus peels, herb stems, and fruit scraps, to create fragrant, natural aromas by simmering them in water.
You can use a variety of scraps, including citrus peels (like lemon, lime, or orange), herb stems (such as rosemary, thyme, or basil), apple cores, and even spices like cinnamon sticks or cloves.
I recommend storing leftover scraps in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a few days. Alternatively, you can freeze scraps until you’re ready to use them.
More Simmer Pot Ideas
Turning my kitchen scraps into simmer pots is a fantastic way for me to enjoy natural scents while reducing waste. With just a few simple ingredients, I can create beautiful, custom aromas that fill my home with warmth—from zesty citrus and herbal notes to sweet apple and cozy spices. The best part? Each simmer pot becomes a unique creation that perfectly suits my mood and the season. So, the next time I’m left with citrus peels, herb stems, or fruit scraps, I toss them into a simmer pot and enjoy the eco-friendly, fragrant goodness!
Have you ever used kitchen scraps in your simmering potpourri?
Make your home smell delicious!
FREE printable 16 simmer pot recipes when you sign up to get my daily home decorating and organizing emails.
Want to see more content like this in your Google searches?
This button tells Google that Home Made Lovely is a source you like, so it can show you more of it.
