Last week I was invited by Sunkist to join them on a sensory experience at Planta. I love citrus fruits and ever since I was a little girl, Sunkist has always made its way into our family kitchen. My parents made a habit to serve us fruits after dinner, and urged that oranges were among the best, primarily due to its incredible source of vitamin C. Though eating a freshly peeled Sunkist orange is super delicious, I was so thrilled to learn at the Senses Event last week that there are so many more great ways to put citrus to use.
From fancy cocktails, delightful dishes, to natural beauty regimens, I’ll definitely be incorporating citrus fruits as part of my routine to re-energize and invigorate my body, mind, and soul this winter season! I also learned that the combination of lemons and oranges make the best all natural fragrance and was inspired by Sunkist and wellness expert, Abbey Sharp to try this air freshener recipe.
Read further to see how to make your own Slow Cooker Sunkist Citrus Air Freshener to perk you up!
I primarily used Cara Cara Navel oranges for this recipe. They are exceptionally juicy, sweet and SEEDLESS! Research has found that these oranges are packed with natural nutrients and minerals to power a healthy immune system. The make up of Cara Cara Navel oranges exhibit over 20% more Vitamin C and 30% more Vitamin A compared to other oranges, that means a little can go a long way! These oranges are amazing to eat, but I recommend that you give this DIY air freshener a try (especially if you have some bruised ones).
Original Recipe courtesy of Sunkist® and Abbey Sharp
Ingredients:
2 Sunkist® clementines, rind removed in strips and juiced
2 Sunkist® Meyer lemons, rind removed in strips and juiced
1 Sunkist® Cara Cara Navel, rind removed in strips and juiced
1 Sunkist® Navel orange, rind removed in strips and juiced
1 pear, sliced
1 vanilla bean, split or 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
4 sprigs of rosemary
3 tablespoons of maple syrup
4 cinnamon sticks
1 ½ cups of water
Method: Place the citrus rinds, juices, pear, vanilla, rosemary, maple syrup, cinnamon and water into a slow cooker. Turn the heat on high and leave the lid off. Check on it every few hours, and if the water is about to scorch, add another half cup as needed.
Modifications: I modified my version slightly by only using Cara Cara Navel oranges and Meyer Lemons. I also swapped the pear out with apples as I had a few bruised ones at home. Instead of maple syrup I also substituted with all natural honey. Feel free to put on your creative hat!
I made this air freshener early in the morning and left the slow cooker uncovered for the day. The house was filled with citrus aroma and it as delightful! If you’re feel under the weather or perhaps that time of the month, take a big sniff of this beauty and I guarantee it’ll enlight your senses!
I’m so glad to bring a family tradition back into my own home but re-purposed and in different light. If you’re interested to learn more about the story of Sunkist and the generations of growers and their families since 1893, check out this beautiful video.
How do you like to enjoy your citrus fruits?!
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Sunkist but all opinions and thoughts are my own.
