A Rose is a Rose is a Rose and an Herb~

When we think of roses we often think of the delicious smell, romance, beautiful bouquets, everything except "herb" and the many ways it can and is used to benefit our better health.

If you have a rose garden, by all means utilize the /culinary and medicinal options that are there for the taking.

If you don't have a rose garden/bed...then make it a project, whether large or just one or two bushes will bring beauty, joy, and a plethora of new and exciting projects into your life.

Remember, when planning to use your roses as culinary ingredient's, never put pesticides or any chemical product on or in the soil around them.

Some ways to use roses in the kitchen:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2325832_sugarfrosted-candied-rose-petals.html
~

Rose Petal Cooler~

Petals from 3 or 4 roses
5 cups water
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon of Stevia or 3 tbsp. sugar
Boil water. Add rose petals and lemon juice to the boiling water, turn off heat and let stand for 6-10 hours.( I do this at night ad let sit until the following morning )Drain into a pitcher. Discard petals. Add stevia/sugar to the rose water and stir. Let cool in the refrigerator or freezer. Serve.

A pretty touch for a special treat is:
Place rose petals in the bottom of ice-cube trays and fill with water that has been filtered. Freeze and use cubes in the Rose Cooler above.
~
Rose Petal Salad~

Romaine lettuce, rose petals, Goat cheese and walnuts make a lovely and tasty salad.
~
Rose Water for your face and bath~

1 cup rose petals
2 cups boiling water

Pour water over rose petals and allow to sit until the water is cool.
Pour water off of petals and into a clean jar.

Use the water in your bath, a splash for you face, or in a spray bottle for your bed and linens.

Keep water in the frig for longer life and better sensation.
~
And...nothing compares to a cup of hot Rose-Hip tea.

If growing roses for tea the Rosa rugosa is the best choice.
As soon as the bloom falls from the bush, simply cut the little pod (hip)that produced the bloom, it can be used fresh or dried....the hips must be cut open and the seeds removed whether using fresh or dried. ( if using dried, cut and remove seed before the pod is completely dry, otherwise the seed is hard to remove.

Make tea as you would any other herb tea by steeping the hips in boiled water.
Add your favorite -lemon, sugar, honey or Stevia to taste.

Happy Gardening...with roses.

Bea Kunz