Roses are a proper Valentine's treat especially if you can eat them

"Fortunately for me, roses happen to be edible. While technically the entire plant can be eaten, it's best to stick to the petals, buds and hips (as if I had to tell you not to chomp on their thorns and woody stems). Fresh or dried, rose petals can be used to make rosewater or rose syrup, as pretty garnishes for cakes, and to infuse into sweet treats such as ice-cream and panna cotta."

"Rosebuds can be used this way too, but beware that by harvesting an entire bud you're not going to get the rosehip developing later. Rosehips appear once a rose has bloomed and faded, and while they can be eaten raw, the seeds inside are surrounded by irritating hairs that should be discarded. To coax the flavour and abundant vitamin C from rosehips, make them into jellies, jams or syrups, steep them in hot water as a tea, infuse them into vinegar or spirits,"

"Don't be tempted to eat the petals from roses you've bought from the shops, as they are likely to have been sprayed with chemicals The chill factor: why our plants need a sustained cold period The most affordable way to introduce roses into your garden is by acquiring them as bareroot plants, which ought to still be possible as we haven't reached spring in the UK. Container-grown roses are available year-round, but expect them to be pricier."

Roses are edible; the petals, buds and hips are the recommended parts for eating. Fresh or dried petals make rosewater, rose syrup, garnishes, and infuse into ice cream and panna cotta. Harvesting whole buds prevents later rosehip development. Rosehips form after blooms fade and contain seeds surrounded by irritating hairs that should be discarded. Rosehips are rich in vitamin C and are suitable for jellies, jams, syrups, teas, vinegars, spirits, soups and sauces. Foragers should leave plenty for pollinators and birds. Avoid shop-bought petals because they may have been sprayed with chemicals. Bareroot roses are affordable; container roses cost more. Plant in sunny, sheltered, free-draining soil with space for mature size.

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