How to Candy Rose Petals: A Step-by-Step Guide

What Ingredients Do I Need to Candy Rose Petals?

To candy rose petals, you will need the following ingredients:

Rose Petals: Use organic, pesticide-free rose petals. Any variety of rose with a sweet, floral fragrance is suitable, but it’s important to ensure they are free of chemicals[3][4][5].
Typically, one rose bloom can yield around 20 usable petals[3].
Egg Whites: Use 1 large egg white per batch. If you are concerned about using raw eggs, you can use pasteurized egg white powder or aquafaba as a vegan alternative[1][3][4].
Sugar: Use 1/2 cup to 1/4 cup (50 g) of granulated sugar, preferably superfine sugar. You can also use coconut sugar, date sugar, or sugar crystals like monk fruit or Splenda for variations[1][3][4].
Additional Ingredients: No additional flavorings or colorings are necessary, but you can use rose water if you prefer a more intense rose flavor[2].

Cleaning and Drying:
Gently mist the rose petals with water to clean them, being careful not to bruise them. Place them on a towel and gently cover with a paper towel for absorption. Let them dry completely on kitchen towels or paper towels. You may need to dab them with a clean, dry towel to ensure they are completely dry[1][3][4].
Preparing the Petals:
Remove the bottom white tip of each rose petal, as it has a bitter flavor[2][3].

Coating with Egg White:
Crack the egg white into a small bowl and whisk it with a fork. Use a new soft bristle paintbrush to gently paint both sides of each rose petal with the egg white, or simply dip the petal in the egg white, turning to coat both sides and allowing any extra to drop off[1][3][4].
Coating with Sugar:
Place the egg-coated rose petals in a bowl of superfine sugar, turning to coat both sides and sprinkling on extra sugar if necessary to ensure the petals are completely coated[1][3][4].

Drying:
Space the sugar-coated rose petals apart on a wire cooling rack and leave them to dry in a cool, dry spot for at least 4 hours or overnight. If you have a dehydrator or an oven with a dehydrator setting, you can dry them at 175°F for 2.5 hours to speed up the process[1][3][4].

Storage:
Store the candied rose petals in a cool, dry place. If you don’t plan to use them immediately, you can store them in a sealed container or freezer to maintain their texture and freshness[1][3][4].
Shelf Life:
Use the candied rose petals within a day or two, as they can become soft and wet if stored for too long. Freezing them can extend their shelf life[1][3][4].

Rose Petals:
The cost of rose petals can vary depending on the source. Organic rose petals can be sourced from local farmers’ markets, online retailers, or your own garden if you have rose bushes. The cost can range from a few dollars for a small bunch to more for larger quantities.
Sugar:
Granulated sugar is widely available and inexpensive. Superfine sugar or alternative sugars like coconut sugar or date sugar may be slightly more expensive but are still relatively affordable.
Recommended Suppliers:
For organic rose petals, consider local nurseries or online retailers like Whole Foods or specialty flower shops.
For sugar, any grocery store or online retailer like Amazon will suffice.