Many poets have sung about the fragile beauty of the rose. But roses also have a practical utility, and in particular dried rose petals can be transformed into so many wonderful things. They lend a heady fragrance to poutpourri and scented bags, add a pop of color to ambient decorations and can be used as romantic confetti at weddings. What's more, the drying process of roses is actually very simple. Go to step 1 to get started.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Part One: Select the Petals
Step 1. Choose fresh roses in full bloom
You can harvest the flowers to dry at any time during the flowering season, but don't forget that the larger, more colorful flowers will also have the most intense scent. Do not pick roses whose petals begin to wither, as they will turn a dark brown color when dried.
Step 2. Wait for the right time to pick the roses
The best conditions are after the dew has dried, but before the midday sun reaches full strength. The presence of any form of humidity on the petals can dye them brown after drying, as a consequence of a decomposition principle. The hours before noon are those in which the roses release the most intense scent.
Step 3. Detach the petals with the help of a pair of scissors, cutting them at the root
Cut around the entire flower. You can also detach the petals one by one by carefully pulling them.
Method 2 of 4: Part Two: Dry the Petals
First Method: Dry the Roses in the Air
Step 1. Arrange the petals on a flat surface for drying
A mesh, such as an old window screen or kitchen countertop sieve, are perfect for the purpose. Take care that the petals are arranged on a single layer and that they do not overlap each other. If they overlap during drying, they will stick together and you will need to separate them later.
Step 2. Place the petals in a position where they receive a lot of air
The ideal is a flat surface away from direct sunlight, in a place with continuous air circulation. Direct sunlight makes the petals brittle, so it's best avoided. Also avoid humid places, as humidity can cause the petals to rot.
Step 3. Turn the petals frequently
Air drying typically takes a couple of weeks. During this time you need to turn the petals at least once a week. The petals must be turned over to ensure adequate exposure of both sides to the current of air.
Step 4. Remove them from the drying shelf
Only the petals that have become beautiful dry, with a consistency similar to that of corn flakes, should be collected. If they are not perfectly dry when you put them away, they will mold.
Second Method: Use a Microwave Oven
Step 1. Cover a microwave-safe plate with a double layer of kitchen paper
Once this is done, arrange the petals to be dried on the paper. Take care that the petals are arranged on a single layer and that they do not overlap each other. If they overlap, they dry up and they will stick together and break if you try to separate them.
Step 2. Cover the petals
After you have spread the petals, cover them with another layer of kitchen paper. Cover everything with another plate, which will act as a lid.
Step 3. Microwave the two plates stacked on top of each other
Heat to high heat until the petals are no longer moist to the touch, usually 40 seconds. Microwave ovens differ from each other, so you'll have to experiment a little to find the right drying time.
Step 4. Check that the petals are dry
After the allotted time has elapsed, remove the plate that acts as a lid and the top layer of paper. The petals must be dry to the touch, but not crumbly. If the petals are still a little damp, put them back in the microwave and go on to "cook" them a little longer.
Step 5. Remove the petals from the oven
If you want to make them more "dry" arrange them on paper napkins spread out on a flat surface. Let them dry further in a place away from drafts, humidity, light and dust.
Third Method: Use a Dryer
Step 1. Place the rose petals in the dryer
Make sure they don't overlap each other. Depending on the type of dryer, the drying process can take a couple of hours or a whole day (if you use a low power appliance). In any case, the intoxicating scent of roses will spread throughout the house during drying.
Step 2. Set the dryer to the lowest possible power
It is important that the process takes place at low power, otherwise the roses may scorch.
Step 3. Leave the rose petals in the dryer until they are completely dry
As mentioned, it could take a couple of hours as well as a full day. When ready, they should have a texture similar to that of corn flakes or paper thin chips.
Method 3 of 4: Fourth Method: Use a Book
Step 1. Open the book
Step 2. Arrange the petals inside (make sure they are arranged in one layer)
Step 3. Close the book again, being careful not to bend the petals
Step 4. Wait a couple of weeks or even more
This method does not require the use of energy to dry the petals.
Method 4 of 4: Part Three: How to Use and Store Dried Rose Petals
Step 1. Store the dried petals in coffee jars, tin cans or glass jars
In this way the dried flowers are kept very long. Make sure the containers are tightly closed so that insects can't come in to eat the petals. Do not expose them to direct sunlight.
Step 2. Decide how to use your rose petals
There is an infinity of possible choices. Use them at your wedding, to create a romantic and sensual atmosphere, add them to the potpourri or try one of the following ideas.
Step 3. Add rose petals to your favorite cocktail
Enrich a rose petal martini, create a party rose petal punch, or cool off with a fragrant rose water.
Step 4. Be creative, add rose petals to your crafts
You can use them to make necklaces, or create your own rose petal perfume.
Step 5. Use the flowers in the kitchen
Try making rose petal sandwiches. Make a rose petal jam, or make frosted rose petals and use them to decorate a cake.
Advice
- Remember to periodically check the containers in which you have stored the rose petals. If you find that a container has been infested with insects, throw away the flowers and wash the container thoroughly before using it again.
- Collect more petals than you really need. This way you will be more confident that you have an adequate supply of perfect petals for your purpose, even if some are damaged during the drying process.
- Remember that flowers typically darken as they dry out. This fact can be important if you intend to use dried flowers for decorations that must follow a specific color scheme.
