Most people love the fragrance of rose flowers and their beauty but do not know that they can be used for much more than scent and beauty. So, can you eat rose flowers? The answer is a resounding yes! Rose flowers are edible and can be used as a cooking ingredient or eaten raw. The flowers have been used for years in various parts of the world including the Middle East where a rose-flavored dish known as Turkish delight is popular at tea parties.
Preparing roses for eating
If you intend to use freshly picked roses from your garden, the best time to pick them is mid-morning when the dew has evaporated and before the heat of the day bears on them. After picking the roses, snip off the white part at the bottom of each flower as it has a bitter taste. Next, wash the petals and lay them on a clean dish towel to dry.
If your recipe requires fresh flowers, it is advisable to use them within two hours of picking them. Alternatively, you can store the petals in a refrigerator to keep them fresh. If you intend to use dried rose flowers, you can either put them out in the sun to dry or use a dehydrator.
Rose petal candies
Thinking of hosting a tea party? Well, why not make molded candies infused with the heady scent rose of petals to go with the tea?. Rose petal sweets are great in cider, hot tea, and champagne toasts. They have a mild rose fragrance and a sweet-spiced flavor. The sweets can be molded into different shapes and customized for lemonade, tea, and baking recipes.
Candied flower petals
Candied rose flowers are great for garnishing desserts and cakes. They are also ideal for a simple sweet treat after dinner. To make these candies, paint rose flower petals with beaten egg whites before dipping them into granulated sugar. Place the flowers on a wax paper to dry until they are hardened.
Rose petal jelly
According to Amy Tucker of Falls City, if you wonder what it feels like for a hummingbird to taste a rose, then you need to try out rose petal jelly. The jelly is great for scones and can be used as a base for lamb roast marinade.
To make the jelly, you need about half a cup of fresh rose petals, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 3 cups of cane sugar, 3 cups of water, and 1.75oz of powdered pectin.
Process: Boil water in a saucepan and remove from the flame. Toss in the rose petals, cover the saucepan and allow the mixture to steep for about 2 hours. Strain the mixture into a bowl, and measure 3 cups of the rose infusion into a heavy pot. Add pectin, stir until it dissolves, and bring to a boil. Add sugar and hard boil for about 2 minutes. Remove from the flame, skim the foam from jelly, and scoop jelly into clean jars ready for storage.
So, can you eat rose flowers? Yes, you can. Ancient people ate them raw or cooked, and so can we!
