Rose petals are used in cosmetics and also as food. Rose powder is consumed in face masks, hair packs, teas, and desserts by many. The moisture content of the fresh petals is up to 80 percent and this should be eliminated to stop any growth of mould. The shelf life and texture are enhanced by proper drying and grinding techniques. The guide below has provided straightforward steps to be followed in order to make clean and fine powder of rose petal at home using simple equipment.
Choose the Right Roses
Pesticide-free organic roses decrease exposure to chemicals. Garden roses planted in the gardens are effective in case they had not been sprayed within a period of at least two weeks. Unopened flowers have less fragrance oils compared to those fully blossomed. Do not have withered or spotted petals, as the damaged tissue influences color and smell.
Clean and Separate the Petals
Paint the bottom of the petals, and cut off the bitter white of the stem. Wash lightly with a stream of cold running water to get the dust and insects out. Lay out petals on a cotton fabric and dry them off. Water above the necessary amount makes the drying process slow and poses the danger of spoilage.
Air Dry the Petals
Put petals in a single blanket on a tray covered with cloth or paper. The tray should be placed in a dark shaded and well-ventilated place where direct sunlight is not closely exposed. The sun decreases the intensity of the color and fragrance. When petals are dry, they take three to five days to dry depending on the level of humidity.
Use an Oven for Faster Drying
Warm the oven to the minimum temperature which is normally around 50 degrees Celsius. however, the spread petals in a sheet. Leave the door of the oven ajar. Check every 15 minutes. Browning of the petals takes 45-90 mins and the petals dry.
Test a Dehydrator to Get the same Results
A food dehydrator provides a constant air flow and minimal heat. Heat the pot to 40 to 50 o C. Lay the petals in a single layer without overlapping. The drying process requires four to six hours. It is a process that gives consistent dryness and aids in the preservation of aroma compounds.
Check for Complete Dryness
The completely dry petals fall apart in the hands. A softness means that there is still moisture. Poor drying reduces storage time and causes clumping in the grinding process. When necessary, put back petals to the drying process to spend more time getting a crisp texture.
Grind into Fine Powder
Clean coffee grinder, spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Blend in small portions to have uniform texture. Allow 10 to 20 seconds pulse and check consistency. Strain the powder by a fine mesh. Fine-tune bigger pieces to a better finish.
Store the Powder Properly
Pour the powder into a glass container that is airtight. Store the container in a cool and dry cupboard not in the heat and light. Dried powder when properly stored by keeping the moisture level low, has a shelf life of six months before it starts to lose its fragrance and colour.
Possible applications of Rose Petal Powder
Faces masks are made of rose powder mixed with yogurt or honey. A lot of them take one teaspoon of warm water as herbal tea. Small amounts are mixed by bakers to frosting or cake batter in order to provide natural flavor. Rose powder is commonly applied in hair treatments, which form traditional beauty practices.
Hygiene during Preparation
Contamination is avoided by using clean tools. Boil containers and leave them to dry before use. Wipe your dry hands on petals. The practices inhibit the growth of microbes and prolong shelf life without preservatives.
