Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Selecting Petals
• Part 2 of 3: Drying Process
• Method 1: In the air
• Method 2: In the microwave
• Method 3: In an electric dryer
• Method 4: using a book
• Part 3 of 3: Using and Storing Dry Petals
• Tips
• What do you need

For centuries, poets have glorified the eternal beauty of roses. However, roses can be used for extremely practical purposes, and dried rose petals can be turned into many different things. They provide an intoxicating scent in pot-purries and satin sachets, add color to interiors, and can be used as romantic wedding confetti. Plus, drying rose petals is easy. Read the first step to get started.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Selecting Petals

1. 1 Choose fresh roses in full bloom. You can pick the flowers you want to dry at any time during the growing season, but remember that the larger and brighter the buds, the better they will smell. Don't go for roses with petals that have a brownish tint as they will turn completely brown when dry.
2. 2 Wait for a specific time of day to cut roses. The best time to pick roses is after the dew has dried, but before the midday sun. Rose petals with any amount of moisture on the surface can darken when dry because they start to rot. Plus, roses smell stronger and best in just a few hours before noon.
3. 3 Separate the petals from the stem, using scissors to trim them at the very base. Trim the petals around the inflorescence. You can also collect the petals by gently prying them off the stem with your fingertips.

Part 2 of 3: Drying Process

Method 1: In the air

1. 1 Place the petals on a flat surface to dry. An old window mesh or flat sieve is great for this. Spread the petals in one layer so that they do not intersect with each other. If they intersect or touch each other during drying, they will stick together and you will have to break them to separate.
2. 2 Place the petals in a location where they can get plenty of fresh air. It is best to place them on a flat surface away from direct sunlight and with constant air circulation. The sun can make the petals brittle, so don't place them in the sun. Also, avoid damp rooms, as moisture can trigger the decay process.
3. 3 Flip the petals regularly. The fresh air drying process will take a couple of weeks. During this time, turn the petals at least once a week. This is necessary to allow the petals to dry properly on both sides.
4. 4 Remove petals from the surface to dry. Only remove the petals when they are crispy (almost like cornflakes). If the petals are not completely dry, do not put them away for preservation, as they can become moldy.

Method 2: In the microwave

1. 1 Place a double layer of paper towel on a microwave-safe plate. Spread the petals out on a towel. Make sure they are in one layer and not touching each other; the petals can stick together and break when you try to separate them.
2. 2 Cover the petals. After spreading the petals in one layer, cover them with another layer of paper towel. Then cover this plate with another plate.
3. 3 Place this construction in the microwave. Turn the microwave on high and heat the petals for about 40 seconds, until they feel dry to the touch. Since microwaves vary in power levels, you may need to experiment to determine the correct length of time to dry your rose petals.
4. 4 Check the petals for dryness. After the first time in the microwave, lift off the top plate and top layer of paper towel. The petals should be dry to the touch, but not crunchy. If the petals are still slightly damp, return them to the microwave and dry them for a while.
5. 5 Remove the petals from the microwave. If you want them to be crispier, place them on a paper towel on a flat surface. Keep them away from wind, moisture, light, and dust.

Method 3: In an electric dryer

1. 1 Place the petals in an electric vegetable dryer. Make sure they don't touch each other. Depending on the brand of your appliance, the drying process can take from a few hours (for example, on an Excalibur appliance) to a whole day (on a 600-watt Nesco appliance). However, no matter how long it takes, your home will be filled with a magnificent scent of roses.
2. 2 Turn on your dryer at its lowest setting. This is a very important point, as otherwise the rose petals may burn.
3. 3 Leave the rose petals in the dryer until they dry completely. As stated earlier, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. When the petals are ready, they will have the texture of cornflakes or even thin potato chips.

Method 4: using a book

1. 1 Open the book.
2. 2 Place the petals in one layer between the pages.
3. 3 Close the book without bending the petals.
4. 4 With little effort or power, you'll get wonderful dry rose petals within two weeks.

Part 3 of 3: Using and Storing Dry Petals

1. 1 Store dry rose petals in coffee, tin, or glass jars. They can be stored for a long time, but make sure the jar is tightly closed to prevent insects from reaching the petals. Do not store petals in direct sunlight.
2. 2 Decide how you want to use the petals. There are countless possibilities before you. Use them at your wedding, for a romantic evening, potpourri, or try one of the following:
3. 3 Add petals to your favorite drink. Make an alcoholic cocktail of martini and rose petals, or enjoy refreshing rose water.
4. 4 Add rose petals to your pieces. Create a rose petal necklace or your own unique rose perfume.
5. 5 Add petals to food. Try a rose petal sandwich. Surprise your friends with homemade rose petal jam or add petals to a cake.

Tips

• Remember to regularly check dry rose petals for insects. If there are insects in the petal jar, discard the petals and rinse the jar well before using it again.
• Collect and dry more petals than you need.This way, even if some of the petals are damaged during drying, you will be left with a good supply of whole petals.
• Remember that most colors darken when dry. This is especially important to remember if you are going to use dried rose petals as decorations in a specific color scheme.

What do you need

• Fresh roses with fully opened buds
• Scissors
• Microwaveable plate
• Microwave
• Paper towel
• Newspaper or kitchen towel
• Drying surface
• Electric vegetable dryer
• Book
• Storage container with sealed lid