What the f-ck is an edible rose?
Roses count as an edible flower!
They're actually first cousin to the apple, and rose hips are edible too!
Rose Hips (Rose Haw/Rose Heps)
The fruit of a rose, rose hips are shaped like small berries. Colors range anywhere from light red to dark purple depending on the species. They form during spring, and ripen right before autumn. High in Vitamin C and phytochemicals, they are currently being experimented with for medicine. They are usually used in herbal teas!
Beware the hair! The small hairs of rose hips are used to make itching powder!!! They can cause uncomfortable itching and irritation in the mouth!!! How to remove the hairs and seeds.
Where to buy: Rose Hips | How to grow them
Edible Roses
All roses are edible! Unless sprayed with pesticides or any kind of bug sprays and chemicals.
-Never use roses from a florist or bouquet.-
The best place to get roses for cooking is your own yard! Grow a rose bush yourself, and raise it without using any kind of chemicals. Pick them early in the day, and trim off the white base of the petal as it is bitter tasting. Shake and rinse your petals to ensure there is no dirt or bugs mixed in. Then use them immediately.
Which roses should I use? The stronger a rose smells, the stronger it will taste. I've been told the pink and yellow are best.
What can I use them in? Anything! You can make rose water, rose simple syrup, candied rose petals. I find the best thing way to use them is dry them out, and crush them into a powder! I keep my rose powder in a spice container and can then add them to everything and anything.
What if I can't grow them? You CAN buy roses for cooking. Just make sure that you are buying roses that are safe to eat, and have never been treated with any kind of pesticide or chemical. It's usually less expensive to buy them locally. Try seeing if any local farms or organic florists grow them.
Where to buy: Fresh Roses | Fresh Petals | Dried Petals
