Background
Roses have been used for a variety of purposes throughout the last few thousand years. From ingredients in fragrances and desserts to symbols of beauty and peace in the arts, these flowers have become a worldwide favorite.
Roses are used for so many different things, it’s hard to know what exactly they were used for first. The reference to roses in literature dates all the way back to 1000 B.C. when they were used in ancient Greek mythology to tell the tragic story of Aphrodite’s lover, Adonis. Since then, they have been referenced by almost every major religion in addition to poets, novelists, musicians, painters, sculptors, and other artists. The rose often symbolizes beauty, peace, perfection, innocence, and love. The contrast between a rose and its thorns is also symbolic in representing balance. Their beautiful scent is a staple in the fragrance industry and their refreshing floral taste has made them a baker’s choice for things like jams and pastries. More recently, they have been used as a skincare ingredient because of their naturally hydrating qualities and can be found in many toners, moisturizers, and masks. Gardeners love them because they are long-lasting plants that will add beauty to any garden. We here at Hackberry love them because they are a staple ingredient for tea.
Benefits
It is believed that using rose petals in tea was first introduced through Traditional Chinese Medicine. This ancient practice claims that roses can regulate the energy of your life, remedy stomach issues, improve sleep, ease menstrual cycle symptoms, and regulate mood swings. Modern science has looked into the biological structure and nutritional information of rose petals and found that they are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Iron, and Calcium. Additionally, they are full of antioxidants which can help your body improve cellular health.
Because roses are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, they promote healthy skin and immune support. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen, which can help with things like arthritis and cramping.
Flavor
Rose petals are used in teas to provide a fresh, floral flavor. Their flavor profile can be showcased in both herbal and caffeinated teas, which makes them very versatile. It is worth noting that rose, or rose petals, are not the same ingredient as rose hips. For information about rose hips, check out our Rose Hips Ingredient Spotlight blog. Here at Hackberry, we have quite a few teas that include rose petals, but here are some of our favorites:
Raspberry Dreamy Green: This delicate green tea lets the flavors of rose and raspberries shine through. This tea is best enjoyed iced and has a low caffeine level.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: This delicious dessert tea is made of a heavenly combination of chocolate, strawberry, and rose. If you are craving a sweet treat, this tea will fill that craving while still giving you the health benefits associated with each of its ingredients and the caffeine kick of black tea.
Cherry Black: This black tea has subtle notes of rose and cherry that create a well-rounded sweet and crisp flavor profile. It is a caffeinated tea that can be enjoyed both hot or iced which makes it perfect for spring months.
Watermelon Refresher: If caffeine isn’t your thing, this delicious fruit tisane is for you! Made of natural fruit pieces with rose petals and rose hips, this tea is naturally sweet and best enjoyed iced.
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