How to Dry Rose Flowers & Petals for Tea - Easy DIY
How to dry roses for tea in an easy way that you can do today! Dry flowers and petals for homemade tea and other DIYs.
Equipment
- garden shears
- protective gloves
- cookie sheet/ wide basket
Materials
- fresh cut roses from an area that is free of pollutants cars, etc and pesticide-free
Instructions
- Cut the Roses: Using protective gloves (or just being mindful of the thorns) and garden shears, cut your rose flowers. The amount will depend on how many dried rose petals you want to make.
- Carefully pull away the petals from the central shoot.
- Spread in an even layer on a cookie sheet or large basket.
- Leave out to air dry in a warm, dry place, preferably out of direct sunlight.
- Drying time will depend on your specific conditions, but can range anywhere from one day, up to a week.
- Once the drying process is complete, and left with fully dried roses (petals will be crisp, without any remaining moisture, you can transfer them to an airtight container, such as a large glass jar.
- When you're ready to make a cup of tea, simply add a few dried rose petals to your herbal tea and steep in hot water for up to 10 minutes.
Notes
Tips
- You can also dry whole rose blooms, without pulling the rose petals off, if they are petite enough. Simply cut the flower heads off the bush, and lay them out flat on your cookie sheet or basket. They will require longer drying time, and are more prone to mold as a result. Make sure to turn them over every 12 hours or so, and ensure sufficient air circulation.
- Harvest your roses mid-morning, when they are at they contain the most fragrance and the essential oil hasn't evaporated with the sun yet.
- Make sure your roses are in full bloom before harvesting.
- Ensure petals are completely dry before storing to prevent mold. They should crumble easily when touched.
- Mix dried rose petals with other herbs like lavender or chamomile for unique tea blends.
- For best results with air drying, use hanging air dryers.
Storage
- Airtight Containers: Place dried rose petals in clean, airtight glass jars or containers. Ensure there is no moisture inside the container before sealing.
- Cool, Dark Place: Store containers of dried rose petals in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry away from direct sunlight and heat, which can degrade their color and flavor.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Use vacuum-sealed bags or food saver bags to remove excess air and seal in freshness. This method helps preserve the petals for a longer period.
- Silica Gel Packs: Include silica gel packs or moisture absorbers in the storage containers to prevent any residual moisture from affecting the dried petals.
- Freezer Storage: For longer-term storage, especially if you live in a humid environment, store dried rose petals in the freezer in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. This helps maintain their color and aroma.
- Herb Jars with Tight Lids: Use herb jars with tight lids to store smaller quantities of dried rose petals. These jars typically have a good seal to keep air and moisture out.
- Labeling: Label each storage container with the date of storage and the type of rose petals. This helps you keep track of freshness and variety.
- Avoiding Moisture: Keep dried rose petals away from moisture sources such as sinks, stoves, or dishwashers. Moisture can cause them to clump together and degrade.
- Fridge Storage: If storing in a fridge, ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent exposure to moisture and strong odors from other foods.
- Dark Colored Containers: Opt for dark-colored glass or opaque containers to shield the dried rose petals from light, which can fade their color and diminish their aroma over time.