The Blissful Benefits of Rose

History of Roses

Roses are aromatic, aesthetically pleasing perennials belonging to the Roseacea family and the Rosa genus. Originating in Asia, The rose is, according to fossil evidence, 35 million years old and were first cultivated in the gardens of China around 500 B.C. Throughout history, the velvety soft petals of the flower have had many applications, from medicinal to culinary.

Cooking with Rose Petals

Is a Rose an herb? Most people would say no, believing herbs to be merely parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme and a few others. However, if you visit India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey or neighboring countries in the region, you’ll find the rose firmly planted in the list of important culinary seasoning plants.

Rose petals are used to dress up and garnish everything from drinks and cocktails to cakes and other desserts and are central to many main courses. They can be added to water, butter and soft cheeses so that their flavors will infuse to add a fragrant “depth” to dishes.

Cooking with rose petals dates back centuries. Whether used for their aromas, floral flavors, symbolism or decorative allure, they are a beautiful addition to the chef’s arsenal.

Dried rose petals are more practical in terms of shelf-life and storage, and have long been used to bring floral notes to food for millennia. Rose petals are most associated with Middle Eastern dishes, and make a beautiful partnership with saffron, honey, dried apricots, cardamom and coffee. Desserts like almond sponges or semolina puddings take on rose flavoring beautifully, but don’t be afraid to incorporate this flavor into more Western dishes.

Rose petals are often used in a savory context too — they’re added to a traditional Ras el Hanout spice mixes, which is then used in chicken and lamb tagines, or as a meat rub for traditional dishes like grilled quail.

Lots of other options are also available when seeking out distinctive rose-flower flavors: rose water, rose preserves, rose syrups and rose petal infusions.

Rule number one of working
with roses is:
Don’t eat them if they were sprayed. 

One of the simplest ways to use dried rose petals is to grind them into a sweet or savory spice mix, or use them to make flavored sugar. Do this by layering a 1:2 rose/sugar ratio in an airtight container, and then sieving out the petals after a couple of weeks.

The most common way of ensuring that rose petal flavors run through a whole dish is to stir a splash of rose water or rose essence into a sponge mix or custard.

Enjoy a Little Petal Power…

Known as the “Queen of the Flowers”, Rose is perhaps one of the most ancient medicinal plants known to humans.

For thousands of years, healers have been using the rose plant in herbal remedies, teas, oils and skincare formulations. Rose Petals can be used as dried, preserved, juiced, distilled, or as a powder.

Potential rose health benefits

• Caffeine Free
• Balances hormones (including amenorrhea)
• Reduces inflammation of the eyes and skin
• Soothes sore throats and coughs
• Promotes restful and peaceful sleep
• Cools the gastrointestinal tract
• Soothes nervous, angry and sad emotions
• May reduce wrinkles and slow down skin aging
• May reduce pain due to its analgesic effects
• Has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties
• Reduces blood glucose levels
• Has neuro-protective properties
• Has antioxidant activity

“Roses do not bloom hurriedly; for beauty, like any masterpiece, takes time to blossom “

― Matshona Dhliwayo

Where can you buy Dried Rose Petals?
Well that’s easy! Nomad Spice Co. 

Never Stop Exploring!