How to Make Rose Petal Tea (Drying Roses at Home)
Rose petal tea is a fragrant, caffeine-free infusion made by steeping dried or fresh edible rose petals in hot water. To make it at home, dry your own petals by air drying, in a low oven, or in a dehydrator, then store them so you have tea all year. Use only fragrant roses that have not been sprayed.
There is something quietly satisfying about making tea from flowers you dried yourself. I started the year my rose bush went a bit wild, and now I keep a jar of petals just for the grey months, when I want something gentle and a little ceremonial. One thing I learned fast: go easy on the quantity. A small handful of petals per pot is plenty, or the tea tips from delicate to oddly perfume-y.
Which Roses to Pick, and When
Use only fragrant, edible roses that have not been treated with pesticides, which rules out most florist bouquets. Damask roses (Rosa damascena) are the classic choice for tea because they hold the most scent, and scent is what carries into the cup. Pick the petals in the morning once the dew has dried, choosing blooms that are fully open. See more on edible roses and how to grow them.
Three Ways to Dry Rose Petals at Home
- Air drying: spread the petals in a single layer on a tray or screen, out of direct sun, for 1 to 2 weeks until papery. Slowest, but it keeps the color best.
- Oven: spread on a lined tray and dry at the lowest setting (about 175°F) with the door propped slightly open for 1 to 2 hours. Check often, since petals scorch quickly.
- Dehydrator: dry at 95 to 105°F for 2 to 4 hours until crisp. The most reliable method if you dry petals often.
Brewing a Cup
Place about 1 tablespoon of dried petals (or 2 tablespoons fresh) in a cup or teapot, pour over just-boiled water, and cover right away. Keeping it covered while it steeps traps the fragrant oils that would otherwise drift off with the steam. Steep for 5 minutes, strain, and sweeten with a little honey if you like. Full amounts are in the recipe card below.
Flavor Pairings and an Iced Version
- Lemon, honey, or a few fresh mint leaves each brighten the floral notes without covering them.
- Blend the dried petals half and half with green tea or chamomile for a softer, rounder cup.
- For iced tea, brew it twice as strong, let it cool, then pour over ice so the flavor still reads once it dilutes.
Storing Your Dried Petals
Once the petals are fully crisp, store them in an airtight jar away from light, where they keep for up to 12 months. The only real enemy is moisture. If any petals still feel leathery, dry them longer before jarring, since even a little dampness can turn to mold in a sealed jar.
Have extra petals? Turn them into rose petal jam or browse more rose recipes and desserts.
Summarise & Save This Recipe
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Rose Petal Tea
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp dried edible rose petals or 2 tbsp fresh, pesticide-free
- 1 cup just-boiled water
- Honey or lemon optional, to taste
Instructions
- To dry petals: spread fragrant, pesticide-free rose petals in a single layer and air dry 1 to 2 weeks, oven dry at the lowest setting for 1 to 2 hours, or dehydrate at 95 to 105°F for 2 to 4 hours until crisp.
- Store the dried petals in an airtight jar away from light.
- To brew: place the petals in a cup or teapot and pour over just-boiled water.
- Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain, then add honey or lemon to taste if you like.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Use fragrant, edible roses that have not been sprayed with pesticides. Damask roses (Rosa damascena) are the classic choice, but any strongly scented garden rose works. The more fragrant the petals, the better the tea.
You can air dry them on a tray for 1 to 2 weeks, dry them in a low oven at about 175°F for 1 to 2 hours, or use a dehydrator at 95 to 105°F for 2 to 4 hours. The petals should be crisp and papery before storing.
No. Rose petal tea is a herbal infusion made only from rose petals and water, so it is naturally caffeine-free and can be enjoyed any time, including the evening.
Rose petal tea is delicate and floral, lightly sweet, with a soft aroma. The flavor depends on the roses you use, so fragrant varieties give the most noticeable rose taste.
Stored in an airtight jar away from light, fully dried rose petals keep for up to 12 months. Make sure they are completely crisp before storing, as any moisture can cause mold.
Yes. Use about twice as many fresh petals as dried, since fresh ones are less concentrated. Rinse them well, steep in just-boiled water for 5 minutes, and strain.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!