Create an infusion of rose hips, buds, or petals - PEP BB medicine.sand.roseinfusion

Here is my submission for the Natural Medicine Aspect - Sand for Straw - Create and Infusion of Rosehips BB.

I harvested some green rosehips at Wheaton Labs and made a tea but the rosehips were green and the tea was not much more than hot water.   So, I harvested some ripe rosehips at Doug's Beach on the Columbia River earlier this month.

To document the completion of the BB, I have provided the following:
- a picture of your rose hips, buds, or petals being harvested
- a picture of the infusion being made
- a picture of the finished infusion

Harvesting


Brewing Tea


Infusion

Made a rose hip infusion from fresh foraged rose hips.

Rose petals infusion.

I love the French press for infusing loose herbs!  These petals were harvested off an antique rose in my yard.  

Rose petal tea.

This old rose bush is nearing the end of its run for the season, so I took the opportunity and made two pints of infusion. I followed a process I found online which I'll outline here.

Process:
Choose a fragrant rose for best results.
Wait until the afternoon when the pollinators have had a chance to do their business and the petals are most fragrant.
Harvesting at least one full bloom per jar, clean the petals well and then place in jars or bottles.
Pour hot (near boiling) water over the petals and then allow them to cool completely.
Optional - add a few drops of lemon juice for increased color and shelf-life.
Strain the petals and return the liquid to the jars.
Seal with 2-part canning lids and store in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks.
Enjoy as a refreshing drink, use in personal care or medicinal uses, or use as the base for a rose jelly recipe.

Takeaways:
The infusion is very delicate and mild.
I didn't include lemon juice but next time I will probably try it.
Next time I will use more rose petals, probably filling the jar if possible!