Rose
Overview
The rose is perhaps the most universally beloved flower in human history — a symbol of love, beauty, and healing across every culture on earth. Its place in the tea cup is equally distinguished. From the aromatic dried petals that perfume delicate blends with their unmistakable floral sweetness, to the ruby-red fruit that forms after the bloom fades, the rose offers two wonderfully distinct gifts to the herbal tea world. Rose petals bring fragrance, gentle calm, and a soft romantic character to any blend. Rose hips — the small, jewel-bright seed pods that follow the flower — are among the most nutrient-dense fruits in nature, packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants. Together they represent the full arc of the rose from blossom to fruit, and both have been cherished in herbal medicine traditions across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia for thousands of years.
Rose Petals
About
Dried rose petals have been used in tea, perfumery, culinary arts, and healing traditions for millennia. The most prized varieties for tea are the deeply fragrant Damask rose (Rosa damascena), native to Syria and cultivated in Bulgaria's famous Rose Valley, and the Cabbage rose (Rosa centifolia). In Persian, Moroccan, and Indian traditions, rose water and dried petals have long been used to calm the mind, cool the body, and open the heart. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, rose petals are considered a gentle liver tonic that helps move stagnant energy and ease emotional tension. Their beauty in the cup is matched only by their soothing properties.
Flavor Profile
- Delicate, sweetly floral, and softly perfumed
- Subtly fruity with a clean, gentle finish
- Elegant and romantic — the fragrance is as much a part of the experience as the taste
- Pairs beautifully with hibiscus, chamomile, lavender, lemon, and black tea
Traditionally Used For
- Calming anxiety, stress, and emotional tension
- Supporting mood and easing mild depression
- Gentle liver support — helps ease irritability and emotional stagnation in TCM
- Soothing menstrual cramps and PMS discomfort
- Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants — supports skin health and immune function
- Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
- Traditionally used to cool the body and ease digestive upset
Rose Hips
About
Rose hips are the small, oval seed pods that form on rose bushes after the petals fall — nature's gift after the bloom. Technically the fruit of the rose, they ripen to a deep orange-red in autumn and have been harvested as both food and medicine for thousands of years. During World War II, when citrus imports to Britain were cut off, the British government mobilized schoolchildren to collect wild rose hips from hedgerows across the country to make rose hip syrup as a Vitamin C supplement for children — a testament to just how extraordinary their nutritional content is. Gram for gram, dried rose hips contain up to 20 times more Vitamin C than oranges, making them one of the most potent plant sources of this essential nutrient on earth.
Flavor Profile
- Tart, tangy, and vibrantly fruity
- Bright cranberry-like acidity with a subtle floral sweetness
- Deep, ruby-orange infusion — beautiful color in the cup
- Refreshing and bold — excellent both hot and iced
- Pairs beautifully with hibiscus, cinnamon, lemon peel, and elderberry
Traditionally Used For
- One of the highest plant sources of Vitamin C — outstanding immune support
- Powerful antioxidant protection — reduces oxidative stress and inflammation
- Supporting joint health — studies suggest rose hip extract may reduce arthritis pain
- Supporting heart health and healthy cholesterol levels
- Rich in lycopene, beta-carotene, and flavonoids — supports skin and eye health
- Gentle diuretic — supports kidney health and healthy fluid balance
- Supports collagen production and skin elasticity
Brewing Notes
- Rose Petals: 190–200°F / 88–93°C — steep 5–7 minutes; use 1–2 teaspoons per 8 oz. Slightly lower temperature preserves the delicate floral oils
- Rose Hips: 200–212°F / 93–100°C — steep 10–15 minutes; the harder fruit needs longer to release its full flavor and nutrients. Lightly crushing before steeping helps
- Combining rose petals and rose hips in one blend gives a beautiful balance of floral fragrance and bright fruity tartness
- A touch of honey enhances the natural sweetness of both
- Rose hips are wonderful cold brewed overnight for a refreshing, ruby-colored iced tea
Teas Containing Rose
Coming soon — we will list blends that feature rose petals and rose hips here. In the meantime, you can browse our Herbal Teas and Black Teas.