What to do with roses...
One thing you can do with roses is make jam
Rose Petal Jam
1/2 pound edible rose petals
2 cups granulated sugar, divided into two one cups
4 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup Lemon juice
Disclaimer below:
All roses obviously that you intend to eat must be free of pesticides. Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries, or garden centers. In many cases these flowers have been treated with pesticides not labeled for food crops. The tastiest roses are usually the most fragrant, but not always as our wild roses here in Arkansas have very little scent but make lovely jam.
rinse petals thoroughly and drain, only use the petals.
Place rose petals in a bowl and sprinkle enough sugar to coat each petal. Leave this way for about 12 hours or even over night.
In a saucepan over low heat, place remaining sugar, water, and lemon juice; stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in rose petals and let simmer 20 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil; continue boiling for approximately 5 minutes until mixture thickens and the temperature on a candy thermometer reaches 221 degrees F. or until a spoonful dropped onto a cold plate jells and holds its shape. Remove from heat.
After boiling, transfer the jam into hot sterilized jars. Fill them to within 1/4-inch of the top. Wipe any spilled jam off the top, seat the lid, and tighten the ring around them. Cover, label, and store in a cool place.
Makes 4 pints
You can also use rose petals in stir fry and salads, Jell-O (if you eat it) and I use them in a white sauce for pasta with lots of garlic.
Rose petals can also be dried to use as a tea or tea additive.