How to use rose petals?
Rose petals are edible and have a unique aroma, they are readily used by both herbalists and culinary specialists around the world. Edible rose petals can be used in a variety of ways. Of these, it is worth preparing:
- rose oil is used for massage, as a component of soap, perfume or other cosmetics;
- rose water – a delicate tonic for the face;
- rose petal jam – has an amazing taste;
- infusion of rose petals – due to the soothing and antiseptic effect, it fights against a sore throat;
- rose petal tea – relieves menstrual cramps and diarrhea symptoms;
- scented bags – dried rose petals give a delicate aroma and are ideal as a perfume sachet in the wardrobe;
- addition to dishes – edible rose petals can be used as a decoration for salads or other dishes.
These beautiful plants have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties and contain vitamin C.
Therefore, with the onset of summer, it is worth collecting fragrant rose petals and using them at home. Rose petals are dried or used fresh. They are good for the body, inside and out.
Fragrant roses are used for tea, jam and rose petal tincture, which will enrich the taste of homemade desserts and sweets.
Homemade tea with rose petals
Rosebuds are often added to herbal or fruit tea blends. Dried rose petals are most often used to make tea. They have a pleasant, slightly sour taste, which is the result of their high vitamin C content.
Pour fresh or dried rose petals with boiling water, cover. After a few minutes, you can sweeten with honey. This tea has a relaxing, anti-inflammatory, diuretic effect.
Well-dried petals can be ground in a coffee grinder and mixed with powdered sugar and used as a filling for a cake or dessert.
Rose petal jelly
Rose flower jelly is an easy-to-make dessert that will pleasantly surprise everyone who tries it. Pour rose petals with boiling water and leave for about a day. Then the solution is drained and put to boil, stirring constantly. Add lemon juice, sugar. The substance (gelatin, agar-agar), which should thicken the liquid, must be dissolved in water before adding. When the solution boils, cook it for another 2-3 minutes.
How to make fragrant jam?
- 1 kg of rose petals;
- 0.5 kg of sugar;
- 4 lemons
Rinse the petals, let them dry, then grind them. Rose pairs perfectly with strawberry, both aromas are palpable.
Rose petal tincture
How to prepare the tincture:
- 350 g rose petals;
- 1 liter of vodka;
- 2 cups of sugar;
- juice of two lemons.
The petals are placed in a tall jar, sugar is added and left for several hours, then poured with vodka. Place the jar in a dark and cool place for at least 4 months. Shake it from time to time.
After a while the rose petals turn brown. This is fine. After 4 months, drain the liquid, add the juice of two lemons. If the tincture is not sweet enough, add sugar. If too sweet, add water.
How to make rose petal vinegar?
Rose vinegar is a very valuable liquid with a wonderful smell and taste, which can be used both in the kitchen and in home cosmetics.
Boiled water sweetened with sugar (4 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) is poured into a glass jar half-filled with rose petals. Cover the container with gauze and let stand for 3 weeks. Stir every day with a clean spoon. When the rose petals sink to the bottom, the vinegar is ready. Pour the solution into bottles.
Olive oil with rose petals
Rose petal oil is an oil enriched with an extract from this plant material. Each oil can be “enriched” with rose petals. Fresh and peeled petals are poured with olive oil, left for several weeks (at least two) in a bright room. After this time, the oil is moved to a dark place. It is good to pour it into bottles or dark glass jars.
When are rose petals harvested and how are they dried?
In cooking, you can use both fresh and dried rose petals.
Raw materials are harvested when the plants are in full bloom. The petals should come off when lightly touched. Dry days are chosen, and the procedure is carried out until noon. An open rose flower is taken by hand and gently pulled by the petals.
Important! It is impossible to collect vegetable raw materials from places located close to roads or industrial enterprises, and so that they are not sprayed with chemicals. It is best to choose beautiful fragrant roses from your own garden.
Rose petals are recommended to be collected in a paper bag. This will absorb moisture that may be on the petals.
To dry them, spread them out on a flat surface on paper in a well-ventilated place.
They should dry out after a few days. They can also be dried with a dryer at 35°C.
Rose petals: useful properties
Rose petals contain flavonoids and anthocyanins, i.e. plant antioxidant substances to which plants owe their color. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and detoxifying properties. Roses are also rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system.
Derived from rose petals, rose oil soothes sensitive skin, softens it and reduces redness. The pleasant aroma of rose has a relaxing effect, and when massaged, it relieves muscle tension.
Rose petals cleanse and nourish the skin.
Note! You can prepare a natural skin cleanser. Mix a teaspoon of rose petal powder with enough water to make a paste. Add some honey to enhance the effect. Gently massage the face and décolleté area with it and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
Floral water moisturizes and soothes dehydrated skin, has relaxing and soothing properties for the nervous system. Rose petals are rich in antioxidants that refresh the skin, fight damage caused by free radicals and overproduction of sebum.
Dried flowers can be put in a linen bag and hung in the wardrobe. They will effectively eliminate unpleasant odors.
