How to Make Rose Tea - Step by Step
Rose tea, is an elegant herbal beverage, made from the petals and buds of the rose flower. Roses have been cultivated for thousands of years, and used for medicinal purposes all over the world.
Rose tea has a unique subtle, slightly sweet flowery aroma, and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties (1). Not only is rose tea delicious, but it's also packed with anti-oxidants that can support your overall health and well-being.
Please do not confuse rose tea with rosehip tea, although both of them are considered types of red tea, these two have very different properties and taste.
Making rose tea is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps.
How to make rose tea - step by step:
1. Gathering ingredients
Before you begin making rose tea, you'll need to gather your ingredients. You can use either fresh or dried rose petals and flower buds to make the tea.
If you have access to a rose plant, you can harvest fresh flowers to make your tea. The pink Rosa Damascena is a very popular rose variety for making tea. In some parts of the world, people use the petals from this rose to make rose jam and other delicacies. But other rose varieties can normally also be used for making rose tea.
Make sure to choose healthy, vibrant flowers and buds that are pesticide-free. To harvest the rose flowers, simply pull them off the flower, to harvest whole flower buds, simply snip them off the plant using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
If you don't have access to fresh roses, you can purchase dried rose petals and rose buds online or from a specialised store. When buying dried rose tea, make sure to choose a brand that uses high-quality, organic ingredients.
Once you have your rose flowers, you're ready to start making the tea.
2. Preparation
Now that you have your rose flowers, it's time to prepare them for tea.
Rinse the fresh flowers under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. If using dried roses, skip this step.
Next step is to boil water. The amount of water you'll need depends on how many cups of tea you want to make. A general rule of thumb is to use one tablespoon of dried roses or two tablespoons of fresh rose petals per cup of water. But many recipes call for even more rose flowers per cup of water. So feel free to adjust these quantities to your taste.
Add the rose flowers to the teapot. If using rose buds, crush them slightly to help release their oils and flavour.
Once the water has boiled, pour it over the rose flowers in the teapot and cover.
3. Steeping
Steeping is an important part of making rose tea as it allows the flowers to infuse their flavour and nutrients into the water. Generally you need to steep your rose tea somewhere between 5-15 minutes.
If you prefer a stronger flavour, you can let the tea steep for longer. However, be aware that steeping the tea for too long may result in a bitter taste.
4. Straining and serving
Remove the lid or tea cozy from the teapot and carefully pour the tea through a strainer into a teacup or mug to remove the flowers. This will prevent your tea from getting too bitter.
Rose tea normally has a floral lightly sweet taste, but this can differ a lot depending on the rose variety used to make the tea. If your tea tastes too bitter or astringent, you can add a natural sweetener, such as honey, agave syrup, or stevia.
Drink your tea hot or cold, depending on your preference. Rose tea is a refreshing and calming drink that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
You can drink it plain or add vanilla or other herbs for a more interesting flavour. You can also experiment with making rose scented tea, where you simply just add some rose petals to your regular tea.
You can experiment with different rose tea variations and find the one that best suits your taste. Not only does rose tea taste great, but it's also packed with antioxidants.
Tips for making rose tea
If you're using fresh rose flowers, make sure to only pick them from plants that haven't been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
Rosebuds typically release less flavour than rose petals, because the leaves are tightly packed together. So if you want to make your tea with rosebuds specifically, you have to either use more flowers, or gently crush them before making the tea.
For variation, you can flavour your rose tea with vanilla. If you have a leftover empty vanilla pod from another recipe, simply add it to the teapot together with the rose flowers and pour boiling water over it.
Not all rose teas are pink or red in colour. Depending on the variety used, the tea may turn out light yellow or brownish in colour.
If using fresh flowers, make sure the variety of roses you grow are sweet tasting and not bitter or sour.
If you're using dried flowers, make sure to store them in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve their flavour.
Safety and side-effects
Rose tea is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children, should avoid this tea as there is not enough research to confirm if its safety in these groups.
The most famous side-effect of rose tea, by some regarded as a feature, is its laxative effect.
Other possible side-effects of rose tea include:
diarrhoea
nausea
heartburn
upset stomach
allergies and asthma
Some people may be allergic to roses. If you experience any allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, stop drinking rose tea immediately and seek medical attention.
The Food and Drug Administration officially recognises four rose species as generally safe if used reasonably for their intended use (2), these include:
Rosa Damascena
Rosa Alba
Rosa Gallica
Rosa Centifolia
In addition, Rosa Rugosa is traditionally often used in Asia for medicinal purposes.
Rose tea might interfere with some medications, so It is best to consult with your doctor before taking rose tea.
Rose tea recipe
Ingredients:
2 tbsp fresh rose petals or rose buds flowers (or 1 tbsp dried)
1 cup water
1 vanilla pod (optional, cut and seeds removed)
Honey (optional)
Directions:
1. If using fresh rose petals or buds, rinse them under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. If using dried rose flowers, skip this step.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Add your rose petals and rose buds to the teapot and carefully pour the boiling water over them. If using vanilla, add it together with the rose petals.
4. Steep the tea for approximately 5 minutes and then strain.
5. If desired, add a teaspoon of honey for extra sweetness.
Serve and enjoy!
Rose tea can be consumed at any time during the day. But because it is naturally caffeine-free and many people find it has a calming effect on them, the best time to drink rose tea is at night.