THE HOME - ROSE PETAL RECIPES

The time is now, or coming soon, when the roses bloom and fade all too quickly. So gather ye rose petals while ye may....

Drying rose petals takes only 2-3 days if left spread out on a table or tray. To make potpourri, fill small bags with dried petals or buds. Add a couple of drops of rose oil. It's that simple.

Petals yesterday and today.

Rose oils vary dramatically in price. This has to do with whether or not oils have been distilled or extracted and the variety of rose. Most inexpensive rose essential oils, if labeled as only containing roses, are still divinely scented. 

Sachet bags 

  • Organza gauze is nice when used for gifts because the fine mesh allows the dried plant material to be seen, adding visual beauty to the experience. 
  • Linen or cotton bags soak up the scents as well, magnifying their impact, and they don't allow dusty bits to spread over clothing or linens when used in drawers or wardrobes.

Additional ingredients can be added. Many people use lavender buds and dried orange peel in their rose petal potpourris, but any pleasant combination of florals, spices, and citrus materials can be used.

RECIPE:ROSE PETAL JELLY makes 1 1/2 pints

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. or 2 cups lightly packed fresh rose petals
  • 1/2 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 TBSP lemon juice
  • 1 tsp pectin
  1. Simmer water and rose petals in a pot, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
  2. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.
  3. Stir in lemon juice. The mixture will change color and become more vibrant. 
  4. Adjust the heat to low heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Add the pectin slowly, stirring well to incorporate it.
  6. Simmer another 30 minutes.
  7. Pour into sterilized 3 1/4 pint (4 oz) jars leaving 1/4" headspace. Stir with a canning tool to work bubbles out, wipe the rims, and finger-tighten the lids.
  8. Process in a hot water bath canner for 10 minutes. 
  9. Remove jars from the canner without tipping and set these on the counter to cool. You may want to place a tea towel underneath the jars.
  10. Let the jars sit out for 24 hours to seal and cool. 
  11. Processed rose petal jelly can be stored for 1-2 years in the pantry.
  12. Double the recipe for 3 pint jars. Pints are also processed for 10 minutes.
 

To illustrate the point that time stops for no man....or young woman....Robert Herrick wrote a cautionary poem warning against procrastination. Back in his day, a woman not married in her youth was "doomed" to spinsterhood. In the 17th century, women relied upon husband or nearest male relative to support them unless they found themselves a place in a convent or position of household service. 

But while women need not heed such dire warnings today, the call to action lest time pass us by is still relevant especially as concerns keeping a careful eye on what's growing, what's blooming, and what's gone to seed.

To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time

by Robert Herrick, 1591-1674

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
   Old Time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles today
   Tomorrow will be dying.

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
   The higher he's a-getting,
The sooner will his race be run,
   And nearer he's to setting.

That age is best which is the first,
   When youth and blood are warmer;
But being spent, the worse, and worst
   Times still succeed the former.

Then be not coy, but use your time,
   And while ye may, go marry;
For having lost but once your prime,
   You may forever tarry.


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