Potpourris: Some commonly asked questions

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Potpourri is one of the greatest ways to beautify and add a dash of color to the stark mundane reality of our everyday lives. To define the term which might sound a bit complex to certain people on first hearing; ‘potpourri’ is a mix of various dried flower and plant parts which might also include dried barks and spices. Dried petals, leaves, seeds, cloves, cumin, nutmeg, lavender oil, jasmine essence etc. are some of the most common ingredients of most potpourris. They not only cheer you up and infuse new life into you after a hard day’s work, but also freshen up the atmosphere of the house and add fragrance to the wind. There are several FAQs (frequently asked questions) related to potpourris, some of which are described below:

Botanical Mixes in Gift Box

How should potpourri be used ? 

The most common method of using potpourri is placing them in bowls and jars at different points of the room, and make sure that they’re at a place where they can be well visible to whoever enters the room. You can co-ordinate the colour of the container with the colour scheme of the room to make it seem brighter and livelier. A lot can be saved by substituting naphthalene with bags and satchels of dried flower petals or shrivelled cloves. You can also experiment with scents; some particular scents go more well with certain environments in comparison to others.

The Duration of the Scent—How Long would it Last?

This largely depends upon the ingredients chosen for the potpourri concoction. Scents can last from 2 months to year after year. Some scents are stronger than others and the whiff of those linger longer than the ones which quickly wear off. If one wants to keep the smell fresh and alive, then the best way to do is to use refresher oils with scents that match the scent of the particular potpourri in question. Also, it’s advisable to keep it away from sunlight and strong wind.

Potpourri Mix in Gift Boxes

How to Keep Potpourri from Getting Soiled?

Most potpourri is preserved in a bone dry state. Some use scented water, but those are quite high- maintenance and require changing periodically to stop them from getting infected by fungi. The better and more economical option, therefore, would be to maintain potpourri in a strictly dry, and if possible, in a vacuumed container. The reason behind this is, if the plant parts are kept in an air-free container, then it would be difficult for them to contact moisture, and hence, no fungi would be formed over them.

What are Some of the Best Ingredients for Potpourri?

The answer is large and vast. Cotton Chips, Bakuli, Luffa Slices, Sola flowers bulk, lavender oil, jasmine extract, sandalwood, cinnamon, bell cups, lilies, hibiscus pods, pine cones, cedar base etc. are all suited to the purpose of making potpourri. Spices such as clove, cinnamon and cumin can also be of great use as they’d add to the durability and scent strength of the concoction. Overall, anything and everything is good for potpourri as long as it is of strict organic variety.

Intercon Impex provides the widest range of quality natural & organic potpourri shipped all across the globe to over 100+ brands. Place your orders now at www.interconimpex.com or sales@interconimpex.com. 

Top 5 ideas to spice up your potpourri

Buy Potpourri & Home Fragrances

If you want to ramp up the insides of your home in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way, then bulk potpourri is a perfect solution for you. As potpourri is 100% natural, it not only makes the environment eco-friendly, but also freshens up our body & mind and enhances energy in ourselves after a day’s hard work.

Isn’t it great to invigorate your senses with a burst of fresh perfumed air as soon as you step into your room? Obviously, everyone will agree with it. There are a number of DIY recipes available on the internet. You can use the remedies to experience this awesome feeling. One can spice up their potpourri by putting some more ingredients into it. The below article is about the process and ingredients that can make potpourri more effective. If you are interested to make a different type of potpourri or you want to know more about it, all you need to do is to scroll down and read the whole article.

Exotic Spices

1. Essential oils:
One of the best ways to rejuvenate your home environment is to use essential oils. It is amazing to take the fragrance of a tantalizing mixture of clove, lavender, peppermint and chamomile after a gruelling day at the office. As soon as you open the door, a heady and flavourful essence fills up your senses and makes you feel refresh. The fragrance is enough to revitalise you from a depressed and weighed down mood. If you are planning to have a spa at home, essential oil is just perfect, as it provides your home with the aura of spa.

2. Dried fruits and nuts:
Some other ingredients that can make your potpourri awesome are dried fruits and nuts. You can put some berries and nuts in the combo. Some orange peels can be dropped into the bowl, or you can drop a handful of acorns, almonds or junipers into the mix, which can spice your potpourri up.

3. Scented water:
It can be quite surprising for you to know that potpourri can be spiced up with scented water, while we all know that potpourri is made of bone dry things. And it is also known that the slightest of moisture can be the reason of infected potpourri. But the truth is, one can make alternative potpourri that includes nuts, pine cones, wood pieces and other paraphernalia that are soaked in scented water. In order to get the water, all one should do is to heat oils and simmer herbs extracts in low temperature.

Ata Slices

4. Cranberry delight:
Any kind of citrus fruits, cranberry and rosemary can be put together in a pan in low heat to get the aroma that may cause your olfactory organs to go into tizzy.

5. Spices and flowers: 
Dried spices and flowers are mixed together in required portion that are used as an effective remedy for deep and sound sleep. One can get dried flowers in any florist store, nursery, orchards or garden.

You can buy the latest collections of home fragrances, potpourri, essential oils, diffuser oils and more at www.interconimpex.com or email them at sales@interconimpex.com. 

How to use Dried Flowers to create lively work of art !!

Flowers ignite our creativity like no other object in this world. From poets to common men, flowers are praised by everyone. Fresh flowers have been used for decoration since ancient times as they up lift the mood at any time. But flowers bloom for a limited time; hobbyists and artists prefer to dry out the flowers so that they can be used for a longer period of time.

So how are flowers dried?

There are many ways to dry the flowers so they are well preserved. Mostly people put flowers inside a heavy book and leave it undisturbed for few days. This is known as the ‘press’ method. If you choose to dry the flowers using the press method, then you should make sure that you line the page with parchment or wax paper. This protects the pages of the book from getting destroyed from the moisture that come off the flowers. Flowers can also be left in the vase till they dry.

Potpourri Mixes

Another method is to hang them upside down in a well-ventilated place away from sunlight. Flowers can be dried in microwave or using silica gel. No matter which method you choose, you have to wait for the results except for microwave method. But microwave method is fussy as you have to use cat litter to cover the flowers. Ordering dried flowers in bulk quantity is an easy way to get dried flowers for professional or other creative requirements. Companies that supply dried flowers use the right method to preserve the flowers. They use machine drying and various processes on the fresh flowers and botanicals to give them a dried and everlasting finish.

Uses of dried flowers

Dried flowers have many uses. Dried flowers are used in cooking. They add distinctive flavour to teas. Preserved beauty of nature, dried flowers are used to make potpourris that can be used as decoration or as natural air fresheners. Dried flower sachets are full of fragrance, and placing them in drawers and closets act as insect repellent. They are used as natural dyes.

Dried flower can have many creative uses. From decorating a room for celebration to create beautiful creative works of art, dried flowers add beauty to whatever they touch. In the creation of candles, papers, scrapbook and many more, hobbyists prefer to use dried flowers to create unique pieces.

3 ways to use striking beauty of dried flowers to personalize items:

If you want to gift something special to your loved one or create beautiful items for personal use, all you need is a bunch of dried flowers. 

Potpourri Gift Packs

Magical jewelry: Beautiful pendant and bracelets can be made using dried flowers. Dried flowers can be woven into headbands, crowns and bracelets. They look beautiful and go well with a dress to achieve a feminine or bohemian look. It can be a good idea for your theme outdoor party or brunch. They are easy to make. One idea could be to use small hollow glass globes or tiny DIY jars and bottles to make pendants and charms. Just fill these tiny transparent containers with beautiful dried flowers and plant parts. Adding some glitter can add a fairy touch to your charm or pendant. Seal it and it could be used as a pendant or bracelet charm. They look magical.

Nail art: Dried flowers can be used to create attractive nail art which not only enhances your beauty but which is also unique. You will get many compliments for your nail art. There are many ways to use dried flowers to decorate your nail. One simple way could be to use white nail paint as base. Now arrange the dried flowers in desired pattern with tweezers. Seal it with clear coat and let it dry. Once it is dry you can flaunt it in front of your friends. Make sure you use good quality dried flowers or else you won’t get the good effect.

Cards, letters and scrapbook: Dried flowers are used to make decorative handmade paper. Beautiful handmade paper with dried flowers petals appearing unevenly on its surface, are best medium to express your feelings. Dried flowers are used to decorate scrapbook. Scrapbook decorated with dried flowers both looks and smells beautiful. If you want to add a unique touch to your scrapbook use the magic of dried flowers. One of the most personalized gifts is cards. If you are making a card for your loved ones then decorate them with dried flowers.

For bulk queries on dried flowers you can order at sales@interconimpex.com or visit the website www.interconimpex.com

Vanakkam Kolkata !!

Vanakkam Kolkata !!

I am back with another experience to share. These are challenging times around the world, where we are fighting with probably the biggest crisis ever in modern times, the novel covid-19, Coronavirus. Since, travelling is banned across the globe and we are stuck at our homes in a lockdown, this one is not about travel, it’s about my second favorite thing to do EAT.

Sometimes I wish I could just become a food taster in a popular show like Masterchef Australia, where I just have to taste different types of food and cough out some fancy foodie words and judgements :) So some months back I did my own little food tour of one of my favorite cuisines South Indian food !! The aromatic smell of curry leaves, tangy chutney, filter coffee, South Indian for me is my comfort food, it’s my Sunday afternoon staple, it’s the meal that gets me to a peaceful afternoon siesta. My hometown Kolkata is known to be a foodie paradise and I explored my 6 favorite south Indian restaurants in Kolkata.

1. Jyoti Vihar - It’s hands down my favorite South Indian restaurant. I have been visiting the place for over 20 years now and it’s safe to say that each dish still has the same taste and flavors. They haven't played around much with there menu over the years, they stick to their favorites and are unbeatable in their best dishes. It’s amazingly simple interiors and age old serving people make this place a traditional favorite. My most treasured dish here is the brown crisp donut like rice preparation, Medu Vada. My favorite way to have it is by dipping it in hot sambhar, they serve a variety in which the vada is already dipped in sambhar for a while to soak in the flavours of the sambhar.

2. Raj - Another one of the oldest South Indian joints of Kolkata. Serving in traditional South Indian steel utensils, with the serving staff dressed in simple uniform with a small towel on the shoulder (a South Indian style) the place makes you feel the essence of southern India. The place is called homely raj , and it houses a hotel in the top floors. The place is best known for its South Indian thali, it’s sumptuous meal with favorite delicacies like rasam, buttermilk, South Indian veggies and of course pappadum. The servings are generous, specially for the Thali, they will not stop serving you unless they are confident that you are full & satisfied :) A must visit for every South Indian cuisine lover.

3. Ramakrishna Mission (Bhupendra Mansion) - Dosas , idlis and Medu vadas are one of the favorite breakfast meals for many people across the globe. This place is the best for South Indian food breakfast. It opens at 6am and shuts close to 1pm everyday, you can mostly find morning walkers and early risers. A very simple seating arrangement with an even simpler menu. You can visit the place every morning and have the same dishes every day but I am sure you still will be craving for more. The highlight in the menu is of course the idlis. The rice cakes are so soft that they will melt in your mouth. I usually prefer having the idlis with coconut chutney and molga podi (spicy powder with ghee) on the side.

4. Sankalp - Its the modern day twist to South India cuisine. Though many restaurants and brands have tried South Indian fusion but never has it been so on point. The restaurant has chains across the globe and is known for maintaining its consistency in every dish through time & geographies. A fun interior with vibrant blue and yellow furniture the place is perfect for a family lunch. The menu has interesting variants of the traditional dosa & idlis like the kanchipuram & chettinad idlis, indian bhaji dosa, nilgiri dosa and more. My favorite is the Cocktail Idlis, this one is similar to the Podi Idlis commonly found in South India. The rice cakes are wrapped in ghee and molgai podi to give it a crunchy & spicy flavor. Another 1 of my treasured items here is the military ghee roast dosa, a ghee roast is again very popular in south India, they use it to make veggies and curries in slow roasted ghee. The use of this in the dosa surely enhances the flavor of the dosa.

5. The Chutney Co. - Another modern day south India cafe at the heart of the commercial hub in Kolkata. Evident from its name the chutney company is famous for the variety of chutneys it offers. So, when you place your orders along with the regular coconut chutney the restaurant serves you with 8-10 varieties of chutneys including tamarind, beetroot chutney, tomato coconut, mysore chutney etc. Each has a distinct flavor and adds a refreshing twist to your favorite cuisines. The rawa dosa is another must have here. The mocktails and shakes are very interestingly curated. To finish a sumptuous meal do try the traditional filter coffee.

6. Rasam - For the longest time, Salt Lake area in Kolkata did not have a dedicated South Indian eatery. Finally, came along Rasam located inside the Stadel Hotel, which is part of the Salt Lake Football Stadium. Rasam is a spicy south indian soup served hot along with south Indian meals. The name of the restaurant is surely justified by the amazing tasty Rasams they offer. I usually drink it as a soup but many people like to have it with steam rice as well. The ambiance is good which servers dressed in white shirts and white lungi . It overlooks the lush greens around the football stadium. I love the buttermilk here, its a finely prepared curd with south Indian herbs, ginger & green chilly. The coriander dosa is also a very interesting preparation here, the use of coriander brings a completely new flavor to the traditional dosas.


Nothing brings people together like food does. I hope this pandemic situation resolves quickly and we can return to our favorite restaurants to indulge in the best food preparations across India. Until then, stay safe and stay indoors.

Cheers !!