Pinecrest Gardens: 5 New Ways To Use Old Valentine's Roses

From Pinecrest Gardens:

February 17, 2021

Just like everyone else, I love getting flowers. You know what I don't love? Throwing them away 5 days later. I'm definitely the type of person who likes to repurpose things and extend their life as long as possible. I'm also the type of person that loves to use flowers in any way possible.

Today's blog is dedicated to roses! Whether or not you have them sitting in a vase somewhere in your house, you'll find these tips helpful for future bouquets. You know, you can buy roses just to repurpose them! I promise, it's worth the time and money- one bouquet can live many lives. Roses are much more than a symbol for romance, and today lets learn about them!

Rose History: Roses have a long botanical history (35 million years according to fossil evidence!) and have shared a close relationship with people. There is so much incredible information about roses and their history. If that's your thing, you can learn a little more here. They become popular in gardens in the early 1600s, and it is said that there are 150 different species of roses, and thousands of cultivars and variations. Just imagine what we could do with all of those rose petals.... Oh and did I mention that all parts of the plant are edible. Rose leaf tea anybody?

5 Ways to repurpose your roses:

The basics- drying your flowers: I LOVE to dry flowers. I press them in books, hang them upside down, leave them on countertops, put them in dehydrators and ovens.... you name it, I've tried it. Some of the 'recipes' here will require your flowers to be dried, so it's a good skill to learn, and not just for roses. If you have time, a great and easy way to dry them is to bunch the stems up and hang them upside down in a space with bright but not direct light. You can also dry them in dark areas, like closest, but since we're in South Florida, you'd want to avoid any humid locations. If you love to dry stuff like me, I recommend getting a dehydrator. It is a bit cleaner and quicker than the hang upside down method.

1. Dried Flower Confetti or Rose Potpourri:

For flower potpourri, you're not limited to just roses, but roses make a great base for it. Steps one and two are to dry your bouquet and gather ingredients. You'll want to collect materials that you love in a potpourri. It could be other dried flowers and leaves, dried herbs, pinecones, cedar whatever you think will look good in your end product. Just remember everything should be completely dry. For essential oils, which you will add, I love to use lavender oil, but you could add rose oil, frankincense, vanilla oil, whatever tickles your potpourri fancy. Then, in a large bowl or tray gently mix your dried materials in a few drops of essential oils. This is like mixing a floral salad (it's pretty and fun). Next you'll add your mixture to a large mason jar or container with a lid. Pack everything in and seal for at least 1 week. The longer it's sealed, the stronger the scent will be. When it's ready, you can add to a nice bowl or other container & enjoy!

2. Create a Rose Infused Simple Syrup

YES! Rose infused simple syrup! Creating simple syrups has become a new hobby of mine. It's so easy and makes a lovely addition to a mocktail, cocktail or sparkling lemonade. Rose has such a light floral taste that elevates any drink. This rose simple syrup is especially great for spring and summer treats...I'm looking at you, rose popsicles.

Rose simple syrup:

1 cup white sugar

1 cup water

1 heaping cup fresh, clean rose petals.

Add all to a pot, and simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let the rose petals steep in the syrup for 30 min- 1 hour. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor. Then strain syrup and keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a month. Depending on the color of roses, your syrup could be pink, lavender, blush, etc. Use the rose petal syrup in recipes for cakes, drinks, or try some Mediterranean deserts out. Who knew rose petal syrup would turn you into a chef!

3. Rose Flower Bath

If you've never taken a flower bath....welcome aboard to full relaxation. Through the stressful year that was 2020 and beyond, flower baths were a regular part of my relaxation routine. So, what is a flower bath and how do you do it? A flower bath is simply adding dried or fresh petals and plant material to your bathtub. The warm water and steam of the bath provide aromatherapy, and the floating petals just make you feel like you're at a spa. There are many healing properties to flowers and plants, all of which can be infused into your bath. To make a flower bath, simply have your petals on hand and toss them in when your bath tub gets full. I like to use rose, lavender, chamomile, etc. This also works for foot soaks or steam facials. If you want to do it like a pro, you can add Epsom salts to your bath. So maybe you're like... I don't want to bathe with plant materials.. that sounds messy. You're right, it can be. So, to enjoy all of the soothing benefits of a flower bath without having the petals clog your drain, think of bath flower tea! For this, you'll need a muslin pouch or even a cheesecloth could work. Simply put the petals into the bag, tie at the ends, and flower tea is made! At the end of your bath, remove the muslin bag and empty contents. You can let it dry and use it again. Same benefits, just contained.

4. Candied Rose Petals

Now we're talking. This activity requires a bit more care than the others, and since you'll be consuming the rose petals, its honestly better to be sure your flowers were not grown in a place that uses pesticides. Also, some rose petals may taste better than others- there's another garden blog that details which varieties are best for eating here. Maybe you have a responsible neighbor with a rose bush who will let you borrow some petals in return for treats. However you choose source them, here's the recipe for candied rose petals:

1. Pluck and gently wash all rose petals, taking extra care not to bruise them.

2. Leave rose petals flat on a paper towel or baking sheet to completely dry- patience!

3. In a bowl blend one egg to create an egg wash. In a separate shallow dish, fill with superfine sugar (tip, pulse white sugar in a blender quickly to make your own). Paint or bush the eggwash on both sides of the rose petals, and gently dip the eggwash petal in the sugar, sprinkling extra sugar to cover as needed.

4. Place the rose petals on a piece of parchment paper or wire rack. Give each petal space, not overlapping. Allow the petals to dry for 1-2 hours until they are a bit crispy. Eat the same day, or store in a container, gently layering wax paper between petals as you store. Best eaten fresh!

5. Disclaimer: this recipe uses raw egg and isn't cooked. It is safe to consume, but if you are particularly sensitive, pregnant, elderly or an infant, maybe skip the raw egg things.

5. Rose vinegar infusion

I love this recipe! Rose vinegar can be used for body care, eaten in a salad and so much more! Here, you can use either white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Simply take a large mason jar, and stuff with your fresh or dried rose petals. Then, warm vinegar on the stove to a simmer and gently pour over the petals. You can use a wooden spoon or chopstick to break up the petals and pack them down as you pour the vinegar atop. When full, seal the canning jar with a lid and stick the vinegar mix in a cool dark place for a a week or two to infuse. The color of the vinegar will depend on your flower color, but when it's ready you can strain the petals out and re-fill your jar. Use in body care as a facewash, or hair rinse, add to baths, use as a face toner, or use soothing spray for bug bites. You can also use it in a home made cleaner, or in my favorite way: eat it on salads!

There are a more than a few ways you can repurpose your roses! Now that valentines day is over, some of the rose bouquets may be going on sale. Stock up on your roses now, and dry them for later use. Do you have a favorite rose recipe? Share it here!

Don't forget, you can also use rose petals in teas, fresh in salads, as a garnish on plates....the list goes on.

Happy Digging!

This press release was produced by the Pinecrest Gardens. The views expressed are the author's own.