Use oranges and cloves as closet fresheners

Fragrant Foods

This is a great winter activity. Any variety of orange can be used, and since they are going to dry-out, you just need to make sure the oranges are not over-ripe. Blemished or seconds will do very nicely. This craft dates back to the colonial times, so you may want to tie it in with a History lesson.

The objective is: to become acquainted with other uses for foods and spices.

Background:	Room deodorants and sachets were not available in the colonial days. The early settlers had to rely on natural scents. Oranges and other citrus fruits were not available year round. These people had to plan ahead, making sure that the spices and herbs were dried and available to use when the citrus fruits were harvested. Pomanders were made out of oranges and cloves. The pomander could also be rolled in other spices or herbs, then placed in a muslin bag and hung in a closet, pantry, or other storage place. As the orange dries out, it releases its fragrance mixed with the spices.
Skills:	The children should be able to push a fork or toothpick into the skin of the orange. An adult may be needed to tie the ribbon around the finished pomander.
Age:	Grades 1 – adult
Material:	One (1) orange per person, about 20 whole cloves for each pomander, extra ground spices (optional), ribbon, mesh fabric, forks or toothpicks.
Activity:	Explain to the children that early settlers practiced this craft. Image not having room fresheners in an aerosol container. You may want the children to smell the different spices before beginning the activity to choose the spice they would like to use on their pomander. Using the fork or toothpick, puncture holes into the skin of the orange. The holes can be in a straight line or in any design. Place a clove into each hole. If desired, roll the orange in the crushed spices. Place the orange into a square of mesh fabric. Bring up the corners and fasten with a ribbon. Hang the pomander in a closet or place in a clothing drawer.
Discussion:	Ask the children to compare the way they live to the way they would live if they were a colonist. How would they get their food? How would they preserve or store their food? Other topics may include how spices and herbs can be used in other ways. (They were used in making soaps.)
Junior Badge:	Folk Art #10

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