Dried Rose Petals: Are They Safe to Eat?

Looking for the perfect garnish for your homemade desserts? Want an unconventional flavouring for a jam or syrup? Or perhaps you’ve got some dried rose petals lying around and are wondering what to do with them. Either way, you’ll be pleased to know that yes, they are edible. Not only that, but dried rose petals have enjoyed more widespread culinary use than you might think.

What do they taste like?

As you might expect, dried rose petals taste much like they smell; their floral, musky aroma translates well into cooking, adding a distinctive flavour to a whole host of sweet and savoury dishes.

What can they be used for?

The list of potential culinary uses for dried rose petals is vast. Historically, they’ve long been associated with Middle Eastern cooking. Sometimes they’re used whole. Other times, they’re ground down and added to a spice mix. In various forms, they appear in dishes like Mahalabia (a rose water-flavoured milk pudding), Halawet el Jibn (a sweet cheese and semolina roll dessert) and Sholeh Zard, a saffron and rose-flavoured rice pudding.

Indian cuisine often incorporates dried rose petals. They can be ground and mixed into everything from rice to couscous, beautifully balancing out spicier savoury flavours. You can incorporate them into salads as well. If you have a sweet tooth, little will be more satisfying on a hot summer’s day than a refreshing salad with hints of rose. Delicious!

They’re also commonly used to add flavour to jams, syrups, cupcakes and other desserts. They make the perfect garnish, too, adding a splash of colour to everything from chocolate to drinks, where they’re floated on top of the glass.

Order yours online today

Ready to incorporate dried rose petals into your cooking? Order yours today from Mimea, one of the UK’s most trusted suppliers.