I have fallen in love with adding rose petals to my food – especially desserts! I think they really transform any dish into something a little more colorful and unique.

I had seen this done many places and wanted to give it a try. It’s SO easy that you’ll want to add a rose petal garnish to just about everything. All you need are some fresh roses in a color that complements your dish. Rinse them off, let them dry and place them in a vase with fresh water until you’re ready to use them. The roses should last up to five days this way with daily water changes. I’ve noticed that darker shades have a more pronounced flavor, so it’s worth trying out different colors to find one that matches your taste. A word to the wise: while all rose petals are edible, it’s important to avoid those that have been sprayed with pesticides—yuck!

This raspberry tart I made is pretty enough on its own, but I think the garnish of rose petals added an elegant touch. Not only was it pretty to look at, but the pink roses added a subtle, yet pleasant flavor. Now I’m on the lookout for other dishes that could use a sprinkle of rose petals!