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Making The Most Of Roses

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Fresh roses last about a week in a vase. But when they start to droop and before they dry up, you can turn the petals into rosewater. It's best to use organically-grown roses without pesticides, so you can feel comfortable using it in recipes such as rosewater syrup for desserts, and all kinds of skin treatments.

To make it, put only the rose petals in a heatproof glass or ceramic bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let the petals steep several hours; then pour the cooled water through a sieve and save it in a jar.

Rosewater is lightly scented and has been used in perfumes and cosmetics for centuries. My grandparents always kept a bottle of rosewater and glycerin in the medicine cabinet to sooth dry skin. You can also mix it with witch hazel to use as an astringent.

Making rosewater is more fun than just tossing your roses in the compost heap, and every time you use it you get to enjoy the happy memory of your rose bouquet all over again.

Reported By Phran Novelli, KYW Newsradio

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