An Ode to the Rose

This week’s Friday Fun is in honour of the rose.

Some Rose Facts…did you know?

• The rose is the favourite flower of 85% of Americans.
• In 1986, then President Ronald Reagan signed legislation making the rose the official National Flower of the United States.
• Rose hips contain more Vitamin C than any other fruit or vegetable.
• Light-colour roses are more sweet or light in flavor. Darker roses have more aroma and flavour.
• Flavours can range from tasting like green apples to strawberries.

Watch this week’s Friday Fun Here

Question: What are the two biggest days for sales of roses?

Answer below

Before eating roses; be sure you have purchased roses that have been grown organically without pesticides and herbicides-don’t assume, ask.

Wash roses by gently swishing them in cool water. Blot them gently with paper towels. Grasp the petals between the thumb and fingers of one hand and the blossom stem in the other hand. Use the petals immediately or store refrigerated in a glass dish; they will keep a few days.

You can freeze rose petals in ice cubes and use for lemonade, iced tea or punch, or water.

Does your man give you roses? Find out here what roses their meanings and colours  mean at Lilly’s Rose Garden

A special thank you to Jennifer McKinley NC MH of Urban Naturals for sharing her version of rose hip tea.

A very simple rose hip tea recipe is 1 part hibiscus petals and 1/2 part rose hips or they can be paired with peppermint or spearmint in about the same proportions. 1 tsp of the herb mixture to 8oz of boiling water. Cover and Steep for 5-10 minutes. A great money saving tip is to use a little less of the herbs and steep for longer.

They can also be used alone and have a mildly fruity flavor but in this case you would use 1 rounded tsp of rose hips per 8oz of water. You can either add the rose hips to the heated water or pour boiling water over the rose hips and cover and let steep for 5-10 min.

If you have a recipe to share please do. Have you eaten a rose lately?

Answer to question: Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day with Christmas is the third highest day for rose sales.

Featured Photo: Karen Langston’s organic garden

The information provided in this article has not been approved by the FDA and is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. This article is not recommending changing any treatment or medication you are taking without consulting with your personal physician or qualified health care practitioner. Before implementing any suggestions seen here please consult with your physician or qualified health care practitioner