If you’re looking for a unique smoking experience, smoking rose petals can offer a calming and aromatic sensation. However, purchasing rose petals from an herbal supplier can be costly. Instead, harvest rose petals from the bushes growing in your yard to dry and use them as a natural alternative to tobacco or other smoking herbs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to harvest and dry rose petals for smoking.
When to Harvest and Dry Rose Petals
For the best scent, harvest rose petals straight from a newly opened flower bloom rather than waiting for them to fall off naturally. Blossoms that have been open for more than a day or two will have less of a scent and flavor. Pick the petals in the mid-morning after the dew has evaporated but the ultra-hot midday sun hasn’t yet appeared.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Pruners
- Drying screens
- Dehydrator or microwave oven (optional)
Materials
- Flower petals
- Paper towels (if needed)
Instructions
- Clip Flowers, Pluck the Petals Use pruners to cut off a flower that is either in full bloom or just prior to opening. Use your fingers to gently pluck off petals, one at a time. Remember that the stems are thorny, so use care to avoid pricks.
- Lay the petals in a single layer as you gather them. They can start to become mushy and break down in minutes if you make the mistake of placing them in a hot and dark place, like an herbal harvest bag.
- Lay Out the Petals Arrange the petals on absorbent paper so they don’t touch each other. A screen also works very well, but remember that once dried, rose petals will blow around easily. To avoid this, place a second screen on top to carefully sandwich them.
- Dry the Petals After separating the petals from the flowers, dry them in one of these ways:
- Dry the rose petals in the shade, as the direct sun will quickly fade the petal color.
- You can also dry rose petals in a dehydrator. Set the appliance to the lowest heat setting—around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, if possible—to ensure that the petals dry without burning.
- Spread the roses over a paper towel placed on a microwave-safe plate and place it in a microwave oven. Microwave for two minutes and check to see if the petals are fully dry. If not, microwave for an additional 30 seconds at a time until they are fully dry.
- Store the dried rose petals in a glass jar or airtight container, taking care that no light reaches the petals. If you are using a glass jar, keep it inside a dark cupboard.
Tips for Smoking Dried Rose Petals
Once dried, you can use your rose petals as a natural alternative to tobacco or other smoking herbs. Here are some tips for smoking dried rose petals:
- Use a small amount of dried rose petals to avoid overwhelming the flavor and scent.
- Mix dried rose petals with other herbs, such as lavender or chamomile, for a customized blend.
- Roll the dried rose petals in a rolling paper or use a pipe to smoke them.
- Experiment with different drying methods to find the perfect consistency for smoking.
Harvesting and drying rose petals for smoking is a simple and rewarding process. By following these steps, you can create a natural and aromatic smoking experience that will leave you feeling calm and relaxed.
