Roses on Toast

Kathleen drying the roses

Master Gardener Kathleen – referred to in Honey Rose Ambroisa - graciously agreed to address some of the many inquiries on the drying and putting up of rose petals.

What type of roses do you use?

I’m not sure, this variety is very old and came with the house. The most important thing is that everything is organic. I can’t stress that enough! These roses have been growing out of homemade compost for almost thirty years.

What else do you use the harvested rose petals for?

Tea, sachets and rose oil. The oil is used in churches for blessings.

Do you sell the rose oil to churches?

No, I offer it as a gift. The batches are very small. By the way, these roses are harvested in the same manner as the rose petals used to make rosaries.

Yes, I remember buying a real rose rosary in Spain made by nuns. Being Protestant I had no idea what to do with the rosary, except to smell it. That was 35 years ago & it still carries a lovely scent. Do you harvest the roses the same way for everything you make?

Dried rose petals

Yes. I pull off the petals and dry them on a tray for a few days, then they are placed in honey purchased from a local beekeeper. Some are put up dry. More petals are used for the oil.

What is your favorite way to use the rose honey?

I like rose tea; a big spoonful in hot water.  And sometimes I put it on toast.

Rose honey