You may be surprised to learn that most rose petals are edible. You can add them to a salad or cake, or make tea out of them. You can also use them to make homemade scrubs and soaps.
However, your roses might bloom all at once and you’ll have too many to use before they shrivel and die. So, what can you do? Can you freeze them? You can but it isn’t an easy process as they are so delicate, and they won’t end up as they were before they were frozen. They will lose moisture and they will not be as fresh. However, if you are determined to freeze them, we will tell you how to do it and how to defrost them.
How To Freeze Rose Petals
1. Put the rose petals in freezer bags.
You can divide them up into different bags so that you only defrost as many as you need and don’t end up throwing some away. It is important that you squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag so that freezer burn doesn’t occur. Freezer burn will ruin the texture of your rose petals and they will discolor. Put labels on the bags with the date you put them in the freezer.
2. Put the bags in the freezer.
Remember that rose petals are delicate so put them somewhere in the fridge where they won’t get damaged.
Tips For Freezing Rose Petals
- Squeeze all the air out of the freezer bags to stop freezer burn from occurring.
- If you have room in the freezer, use an airtight container instead of a freezer bag. It will protect your rose petals from damage.
- Check your recipe before you defrost your rose petals. Some recipes call for frozen rose petals.
- Freeze them for as short a time as possible.
- Rose petals usually work better if they are fresh so you might want to avoid freezing them at all.
For How Long Can You Freeze Rose Petals?
It is best to use your frozen rose petals within a month, although if you plan to use them to make toiletries, they can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.
How Do You Defrost Rose Petals?
In order for the rose petals to retain as much texture as possible, it is best to defrost them slowly. Put them in the fridge and leave for a couple of hours until they have thawed out. If you are in a hurry, you can defrost them safely on your countertop but they may lose some of their texture. Some recipes call for frozen rose petals, so you don’t need to thaw them out.
Can You Refreeze Rose Petals?
No, it isn’t recommended that you refreeze rose petals. Rose petals degrade with freezing so if you do it twice, they wouldn’t survive.
However, if you have used frozen rose petals in a recipe, you can freeze the dish.
Is It A Good Idea To Freeze Rose Petals?
Unfortunately, rose petals don’t freeze well. They are delicate and contain a lot of moisture and as they freeze, the texture changes. The color and taste can also change. To keep this to a minimum, be sure to make sure that the freezer bags are completely airtight.
If you do decide to freeze them, they are probably best used in cooking or to make toiletries. Defrosted rose petals won’t look as nice as fresh ones, so avoid sprinkling them on a salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, you now know all there is to know about freezing rose petals but in case you are still curious, we have answered a few questions here.
What can I make with rose petals?
There are plenty of uses for rose petals. You can make rose jam, syrup, and even add it to homemade harissa. Infuse them into vodka or wine. Make shortbread (See also Can You Freeze Shortbread?) and cake with them, honey, ice cream, and jelly.
Can you freeze rose cordial?
It is much easier to freeze rose cordial than it is to freeze rose petals. To do this, get an ice cube tray and pour the cordial into the slots. Don’t fill the slots right up to the top because the cordial will expand when it is put in the freezer. Wrap the tray tightly in cling film and put it in the freezer. It should take two to three hours for the cordial to freeze. When it has frozen, put the cubes in a freezer bag, squeezing out all the air so that freezer burn doesn’t occur, and put them back in the freezer. To defrost them, put as many as you are going to use in a bowl and leave in the fridge until defrosted. If you are going to use them in a cocktail or a smoothie, you can add them while they are frozen.
Can you freeze rose hips?
Rose hips are edible parts of rose bushes. They look like little berries and appear once the blooms die. They are often used to make tea but can also be used to make jam, jelly, and wine. They have a subtly sweet taste. You can freeze rose hips in the same way that you would freeze small berries. Put them on a baking tray, making sure that they are not touching each other. This stops them from sticking together when they are bagged up. Freeze for a few hours and then put in a freezer bag, squeezing out all the air so that freezer burn doesn’t occur. Alternatively, use an airtight container. Then put them in the freezer. You will be able to take out as many as you need at a time.
Can you freeze rose water?
Rose water is flavored water made by steeping rose petals in water. It has many uses. It helps soothe skin irritations, soothes sore throats, reduces skin redness, and helps to prevent and treat infections. You can also use it in cooking, including making jams, salad dressings, sorbets, cupcakes, and beverages. You can freeze it in the same way as rose cordial. Fill the slots of an ice cube tray with the rose water, freeze, bag up, and put back in the freezer. To defrost, put the cubes in a bowl and leave to melt in the fridge. If you are using it in a cooked dish, such as Persian rice pudding, you can put them straight into the dish. They will melt in no time.
