How to dry out rose petals

Visit your roses, and collect up any petals that you might want to use.

ONLY use the petals of flowers that have not been sprayed with pesticides, particularly if you plan on ingesting them.

Always rinse them in lukewarm water to make sure there isn’t any debris or insects on them, then let them dry out a little.

Preheat your oven to 80°C, then line your baking tray with baking paper.

Spread your rose petals out in a single layer, not touching each other.

Pop them on the bottom shelf of your oven for 15-30 minutes, checking them regularly and turning them over.

Once they are crisp and before they lose their colour, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool before storing.

Cover a microwave-safe plate in kitchen roll, and scatter your rose petals over the top, making sure they aren’t touching.

Then pop the plate in the microwave for 30 seconds intervals.

After every 30 seconds, check your petals, and turn them over if you think they need it.

Once you think they are dry enough, they are done! I found this took about 3 minutes of 30 second intervals.

Be careful when removing the plate, as it will be hot after this length of time!

Known to be the most effective method is air drying your rose petals.

Spread them in a single layer on a mesh surface, and store them away from direct sunlight and breezes.

Try to find a ventilated, low-moisture space. Turn them twice a day so they dry evenly, and quickly.

They should be dried within a week! Store all of your dried petals in a clean, airtight jar or container until you are ready to use them.

Rose Tea

• Light-tasting, fruity, and low in calories
• Need 500ml of water; 2 tablespoons of dried rose petals; and raw honey is optional
• In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, place the rose petals. Cover with water and bring just to a simmer
• Simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until the petals become discoloured (darkened)
• Remove from the heat and strain the hot rose petal liquid into teacups
• Add honey for a sweeter taste

Confetti

• This one is pretty easy
• Once you have dried up your rose petals, pop them into little bags so they are easy to grab at
• You can use fresh petals, but dried petals are less likely to wilt throughout the day
• These are great for celebrations like engagement parties, weddings, proms, and more!
• Just throw them in the air and watch them flutter down
• They are ideal and good for the environment, as they are completely biodegradable

Cooking

• Rose petals are typically used for decoration as they are beautiful and food safe
• Commonly used in Middle Eastern dishes, most notoriously Turkish delight – makes lovely pairings with saffron, honey, dried apricots, cardamom, and coffee
• Things you can add dried rose petals to:
  • Grains – mixed in through biryanis, pilaus, couscous etc.
  • Decoration for your baked goods
  • Add to ice cube trays with water before freezing