A romantic evening is coming up, but how to preserve rose petals at home?
The Queen of Flowers amazes with its unusual shades and intoxicating fragrance. It is this aroma that allows you to create a special solemn atmosphere. Prepare a relaxing bath or a surprise evening; dried inflorescences stored in advance will come in handy everywhere. And, for needlewomen, they will become the basis for cosmetic soap, a gift candle or anti-aging oil. Things created with your own hands and purchased in a store are incomparable. With such little things and details, it is easy to convey emotions, warmth and attitude towards loved ones. How to preserve rose petals at home? There are many ways to extend the life of your favorite flowers. To do this, it is not necessary to have extensive knowledge of chemistry or to be a junior researcher. Thanks to its rich aroma and rich composition, the presented bouquet continues to delight in another form for months.
Fresh
They are used at the most special event for girls - weddings. And if even the smallest detail is missed, the day could end in a huge scandal. Since childhood, playing with dolls, she thought through her important day down to the smallest details. And there must have been a path of petals or a whole red sea...
To protect yourself from all force majeure situations - the seller in the flower boutique did not have time to collect the required quantity, or the required variety was not found, it is worth monitoring the process yourself. Having chosen your favorite whites, or rich burgundy, or maybe these soft pinks, in general, having bought up the entire offered assortment, you can calmly go experiment.
How to collect petals correctly?
It turns out that in order to preserve the petals for as long as possible, it is very important to follow a number of rules when collecting them. So, you can only pick petals from fresh roses! They must be really fresh, preferably from your own garden. Before collecting the petals, make sure the bush is well moistened. To do this, it is recommended to water the plant the night before cutting the flowers.
Make sure you cut young flowers early in the morning before temperatures rise. To do this, you need to use the sharpest possible knife - it cuts the stem better. A clean cut means the stem will absorb water better than if you used any blunt instrument.
Helpful tip: Try making a diagonal cut instead of a straight one: this will increase the area of cellular tissue that is exposed to water, so the stem can “drink” more water.
Is it possible to pick roses after it rains?
I’ll say right away that you shouldn’t do this. The thing is that after rain there will be water between the petals, which is why they can begin to rot. It is extremely important that the buds are dry. Of course, if it just stopped raining and you really need flowers, you can pick them. In this case, I advise you to place the petals on a clean, dry towel and blot them thoroughly (but very carefully!) with a dry cloth.
How to pick petals from a flower?
Firstly, I always use very young buds to collect petals. Secondly, it is best to begin the collection process when the inflorescences are closed. I do not recommend collecting petals that have already fallen off on their own. However, you should also not use very young buds that are tightly closed. It is best to use roses that are about to bloom.
How to remove petals correctly? The sequence of actions is as follows:
- Gently shake the flower to remove any insects.
- Remove any damaged petals.
- Pinch the petals around the base of the flower and pull gently. Do this as carefully as possible so as not to damage them.
Blank
The quality of the harvested material largely depends on the characteristics of certain colors. But at the same time, the main and important condition is the degree of their freshness.
High-quality raw materials do not have stains, damaged areas, or fading edges. The surface of the petal should be smooth and uniform.
Long-term storage of petals is possible if they are as fresh, young as possible and taken from the inside of the flower. It is these factors that must be taken into account when collecting material.
- If the preparation of petals takes place in your own garden, you need to choose those buds that have just blossomed. The inflorescences should stay tightly on the flower without falling off. It is also advisable to water the rose bushes in the evening, on the eve of the morning collection of material.
- Material for storage should be prepared in the early hours, before the heat sets in. You need to cut the inflorescences with a sharp knife along with the stems.
- Harvesting should not be done in the rain, or immediately after it ends, when there is still moisture on the flowers. A prerequisite is that they are dry during harvesting.
- When it is not possible to collect flowers in dry weather, dry the buds on a spread towel, lightly dabbing them with napkins so that they dry faster.
Two days
The stored inflorescences will be stored for so long, it will be convenient to plan an event and already know that in the refrigerator the basis of a romantic atmosphere is already waiting to be released:
- prepare a cardboard box, its size depends on the number of roses, with a sharp awl or knife, make the maximum possible number of holes for ventilation, free access of air, unfold it and cover it with a lid, put it in the refrigerator, conveniently in the compartment for preserving freshness, if one is provided;
- take ordinary plastic bags, put a damp piece of gauze or thin foam inside, lay out the disassembled inflorescences on top, they are also used with a ziplock system, it is very convenient to stir, they fit neatly on top of each other and you can make a fairly large volume of blanks;
- in a plastic container, spread a piece of cloth moistened with water, its length and width should correspond to the dimensions of the container, you will need to prepare several, depending on the depth of the container and how many inflorescences need to be stored, assembled according to the principle of lasagne - damp cloth/foam rubber, a layer of petals, cloth, petals and so on to the edge, it is important to arrange the roses not to overlap each other, as the processes of putrefaction may begin.
Fresh and fragrant will be an excellent basis for the preparation of cosmetic care cream. All you have to do is combine it with olive oil in equal quantities and leave for a week.
Storing grown rose cuttings in winter
How to dry a rose
When purchasing planting material in the fall, winter months or early spring, you must try to somehow preserve the grown rose cuttings in the winter until the weather warms up. The main goal is not to freeze the culture and to ensure that the buds do not wake up ahead of time. To do this, the seedlings must be placed in a dark and cold place and this can be done in several ways:
- In a refrigerator. This method of preserving a plant until spring is considered the simplest and most convenient, because every home has a refrigerator. It is necessary to wrap the root system of the seedlings with a wet paper towel. After this, the rose should be placed in a plastic bag, tied and stored in the refrigerator in the vegetable compartment.
- In a box on the balcony. Take a cardboard box, pour some substrate into it and place seedlings on the bottom. Spray the prepared roses with a spray bottle of cold water and lightly sprinkle with soil. With this storage method, the rose can be stored until spring and can safely withstand temperatures from -5 to +5 degrees.
- In the basement or cellar. For 2 months, rose cuttings can be successfully preserved in a basement or cellar with an air temperature of up to 3 degrees. It is necessary to place the seedlings in a vertical position, place them in a bucket or container. To deepen the root collar, sprinkle the cuttings with damp river sand or sawdust. In the basement, it is recommended to keep rose cuttings away from vegetables and other plants that can be a source of various diseases.
If there is no cellar or refrigerator in the house, rose cuttings can be left to overwinter in a plot under the snow. To do this, you need to place the seedlings in a cardboard box and carefully cover them with peat. You should determine the most shaded area near the house, where the snow does not melt for a long time and moisture does not stagnate in the spring. The box with seedlings must be placed in the chosen location, covered with non-woven material on top and covered with snow until a snowdrift forms. You can put pine or spruce branches on top, which will slow down the melting of snow. With this storage method, the temperature inside the box will be maintained at about 0 degrees even if there is severe frost outside.
There are many options for keeping rose petals and cuttings fresh, and each has its own pros and cons. The main condition is to create the conditions necessary for the plant and follow all recommendations, which will allow it to survive the winter months favorably.
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Drying
The method is suitable not only for traditional peaches and apricots, but also for the queen of flowers. By the way, even after six months of storage, it will be possible to use it not only in relaxing baths, but also to prepare an aromatic drink with amazing taste. Gourmets will not refuse a stunning salad seasoned with such petals. In general, there will definitely be a use for it, the main thing is to prepare it correctly.
For drying, select petals without visible damage or stains, after:
- pick up a cardboard box or plastic container, lay parchment or foil on the bottom, lay out the inflorescences in one layer, avoiding contact of the petals, generously cover with semolina, sand, white clay or starch, then process the next layer and the next in the same way, after 14 days you can will use delicate flowers to decorate the room, placing them in a decorative basket, or prepare aromatic oil, cosmetic salt;
- this method takes a minimum of time and preparation, just choose a dark place, protected from moisture, lay out a towel and lay out the pink wings, the whole drying process takes 2 weeks, then collect in a glass or plastic jar, store for up to six months to protect from insects, add a couple drops of essential oil, preferably rose, but bergamot, neroli and orange are also suitable, new fragrant compositions will be created.
Choosing the right flowers
The freshness and shelf life of the petals directly depend on the characteristics of the flowers themselves. A few important points:
- Only young flowers with barely open buds should be purchased or cut from the garden. If the flower has fully opened, it is unlikely that it will be possible to save its petals.
- Pay attention to the surface of the petals. It should not have any stains, damage or other defects. It should be smooth, even and uniform.
- Examine the cut of the stem. It should be diagonal, this will increase the area of water absorption, improve nutrition and extend shelf life.
- If you cut flowers in your garden, do it in the morning, long before the heat sets in. But you shouldn’t cut them right after the rain; they should dry out a little.
Which roses are best to dry?
Roses selected for drying must be:
- Fresh . It is better to use freshly cut flowers or buds. If you start drying them later, they will wilt rather than dry out. For the same reason, you need to immediately start drying the bouquet you just presented.
- With dense petals . The stronger and denser the petals, the better the flower will retain its shape and color.
- No stains or damage . After drying, damaged buds do not retain their shape well, and spots on the petals that were previously barely noticeable will become completely dark.
- Not fully opened . If you dry a fully opened bud, its petals will disintegrate.
- With a small stem, but not shorter than 2-3 cm . Roses without a long stem dry faster and better, but you also cannot cut the flower at the base. This will cause the petals to fall off.
Advice! Do not cut roses covered with dew drops to dry. Wait for them to dry completely. Then they will not be afraid of mold.
Compound
A botany reference book will help us determine what can be made from dry rose petals. The beneficial properties of this prickly but beautiful plant were known back in Ancient Rome. Science explains the medicinal effect of roses by the active substances that make up the plant.
Thus, it is rich in sucrose, glucose, fructose (the percentage of these sugars reaches 18 points), pectin substances and organic acids (about 4%). A high percentage of the substances that make up roses are phenolic acids and tannins. The flower is distinguished by a high content of B vitamins, vitamins PP and pantothenic acid.
Salt
An excellent natural preservative will help not only preserve your favorite flowers, but also prepare a natural cosmetic product. For these purposes, it is better to choose iodized or finely ground sea salt.
The technology is as follows:
- pour a little salt into the bottom of a dry glass jar, then the petals and alternate until the very edge;
- close the lid and wait a couple of days;
- then you can leave it in this form, each time selecting the required amount, or sort the petals into one container, and the fragrant preservative into another;
- used to prepare relaxing baths, salt is also added to home peeling, stored in a jar for up to six months in a dark, cool place under a tightly closed lid.
Use of rose petals for culinary and cosmetic purposes
Rose petals have a lot of healing properties, so they are often used for cosmetic purposes. They have a tonic and refreshing effect on the skin, and are also widely used in the production of perfumes.
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At home, you can prepare the following products based on rose petals:
- Pink tonic. You need to mix a handful of rose petals and the same amount of lavender flowers. Pour the mixture into 0.5 liters of clean water and add 70 ml of vodka. Place the product in a dark place for 10 days, remembering to shake it every day. After a while, you need to filter the tonic and add another handful of flowers, and after 10 days, repeat the manipulation again. After 4 weeks, the tonic will be ready for use and will help maintain the attractiveness of the skin.
- Pink water. This rose-based product can be used to cleanse inflamed skin. To prepare rose water, you need to rinse 50 grams of rose petals, let the water drain and place them on the bottom of a glass container. Pour the petals with a liter of boiled water at room temperature, and then add 250 ml of vodka. This mixture should be infused for at least 2 hours in a dark place. The product must be filtered and the water drained into a glass bottle. It is recommended to wipe both problematic and dry skin with rose water, remembering to store the product in the refrigerator.
For sore throat and stomatitis, it is recommended to gargle and gargle with an infusion made from rose petals. It is necessary to pour a tablespoon of raw material into 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 1-2 hours. The resulting mixture should be used several times a day until the unpleasant symptoms are completely eliminated.
Additional Information! The same remedy is effective in the treatment of conjunctivitis. It is necessary to moisten a cotton pad in the liquid and apply it to the inflamed eyelids for 20 minutes. The product can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
Rose petals are used in cooking to make syrups, drinks and vinegar, but the most popular product is jam. It helps slow down the aging process of the skin, eliminates wrinkles, improves immunity and helps cope with cold symptoms.
To prepare the delicacy, you need to rinse 500 grams of fresh petals and place them in a colander. After the liquid has drained, place them on the bottom of the pan and cover with 100-150 grams of sugar. Place citric acid on top of the mixture and leave the roses until the juice releases.
To prepare the syrup, pour water into the pan and add the remaining sugar. The mixture should be brought to a boil and simmered over low heat. After preparing the syrup, you need to add the petals and cook until the syrup becomes thick. The prepared jam should be cooled and poured into glass jars.
Using rose petals for cosmetic purposes
How to choose?
For harvesting, you will need the best flowers, and for this you need to know the basic criteria:
- it is very convenient if the rose garden is located on the property; in extreme cases, you can also inspect the neighbor’s flowerbed, the main thing is to obtain the consent of the owner;
- You should choose buds that have not yet opened, so it is better to inspect them in the afternoon or evening;
- when purchasing, pay attention to the density of the bud, the fresh appearance of the leaves, and the cut line; if it was recently made, it is free of stains and darkening; also choose the scent of the plant you like; each variety has a unique and inimitable scent;
- if traces of rain or dew are noticeable, leave the moisture to dry out naturally for a while;
- the diagonal cut should be maximum, which will allow you to enjoy the luxurious bouquet in the vase longer;
- Place the flowers in a vase with cold water; adding a spoonful of sugar will help prolong their life;
- you need to replace the water with new water daily, also periodically humidify the air nearby with a spray bottle and ventilate the room, place it away from direct sunlight, some varieties under their influence change the pigmentation of the bud.
If you decide to surprise your loved one or prepare a miracle tea for your friends, you can use the gifted bouquet. How to preserve rose petals at home? There are enough technologies, you just have to choose the right one to create a festive atmosphere or a new culinary masterpiece.
What affects shelf life
The following factors influence the preservation of the appearance and aroma of rose petals:
- Quality of flowers. Only fresh, undamaged and properly prepared petals can be stored.
- Processing method. They last the longest when dried. Fresh ones spoil very quickly.
- Temperature. They are best stored in a cool place.
- Humidity. The place must be dry.
- Illumination. Do not leave in direct sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation.
Some more storage options
It is possible to store flower petals in cool water in a wide container. It is better to place the container itself in a cellar or refrigerator (or other cool place).
A good preservative for delicate material is ordinary table salt. The petals are placed in glass containers in layers, sprinkling each of them with salt to the very top. Then close with a tight-fitting lid.
In just a week, the natural flavor will be ready. And if you also try to fold the petals so that they are not damaged, they will retain their fresh appearance for a long time.
Melted wax is another way to store petals.
- The wax is heated using a water bath, after which the petals are lowered into the molten liquid one by one, holding them with tweezers.
- After the wax hardens (this will happen almost immediately), the petals are placed in a storage container so that they are not squeezed. Their appearance after such processing will remain unchanged. But you won’t be able to smell the aroma anymore.
You can save rose petals (other flowers) in a special solution. To make it, 2 - 3 tbsp. l. sugar and half a glass of any acid (citric, boric, salicylic) are dissolved in 1 liter of boiled water, which should be at room temperature.
The container with the petals in this liquid is placed in a cool, dark place. There, the workpiece will retain its original appearance for a long time.
Features of storing rose petals
Of course, when collecting petals, I want to preserve their freshness for a long time. At first I tried just storing them in containers with water. But they quickly deteriorated and lost their attractiveness. Through trial and error, I was able to find a sequence of actions that allows me to store the petals so that they do not spoil.
Take a paper towel or napkin, fold it several times and lightly wet it. The napkin should be able to hold water like a sponge without dripping. Place the damp paper towel in a clear plastic bag or plastic freezer bag (ideally with a zipper).
By the way, instead of a bag, you can easily use a container or a small plastic container - for example, an old ice cream container. Just rinse it thoroughly and dry it. Place a damp paper towel on the bottom, on which you can place the petals. Do not stuff the bag or container with petals: they may be damaged, for example, wrinkled. If necessary, it is best to use several bags or containers.
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Please note: air must be able to circulate around the rose petals to prevent them from rotting.
Once done, seal the bag or container and carefully place it in the refrigerator. Petals should not be placed on any food or on top of each other. Because of this, they may wrinkle.
In addition to this, I advise you to make sure that the container or bag does not touch any part of the refrigerator, otherwise the petals may become frozen. For example, you should never allow a container of petals to touch the back wall of the refrigerator - they may become covered in ice, making them unusable.