​Freeze Dried Petals Explained | Flyboy Naturals Rose Petals

Freeze Dried Petals Explained

Flyboy Naturals has been freeze drying petals since their start in 1992, making them experts in the field. So, I sat down with one of Flyboy Naturals founders, Jami, to ask her about the freeze drying process!

First off, what types of petals do you offer at Flyboy Naturals?

We have a great selection of Rose Petals, Hydrangea Petals, Peony Petals and Lilac Petals. We grow millions of flowers on our farm specifically to make our petals.

And where is your farm Jami?

Our farm is nestled in a beautiful area of the Pacific Northwest known as Rainbow Valley and sits on the mighty South Umpqua River. The area is also known as the "100 Valleys of the Umpqua" in Oregon. Our farm is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, a stunning river, cattle & a herd of elk, when they feel like making an appearance.

This is one of Flyboy Naturals fields of roses for harvesting petals...the hills you see are where the elk hang out.

This is the Bridal Red field of roses...This is one of Flyboy Naturals most popular petals.

Thousands of proposals, weddings have used Bridal Red. They are also very popular for decorations during the 

holiday's & for Christmas parties.

Sounds gorgeous! So, tell me a bit about the freeze drying process.

First, we carefully harvest each flower by hand. After the daily harvest is complete we begin the process of de-petaling the flowers. This is where we are removing each petal with a delicate touch as to not damage them. The petals are then carefully loaded onto shelves in our freeze dry machines and are ready to begin the freeze drying process.

Freeze drying is a method of preservation without the use of any chemicals. It is accomplished by a process called sublimation. This requires special freeze-drying equipment. First freezing the petals at very low temperatures of -20 or so for 24 hours. A vacuum pump removes the moisture out of the petals in the form of a vapor and then the vapor condenses as ice in another chamber. Because of this incredible process, the shape and natural color of the petals are maintained.

Crimson Bouquet roses becoming rose petals...they are stunning and look like velvet.

Many people believe freeze dried petals are going to look dried out and crinkled, so this is not the case?

Nope! Flyboy Naturals Rose Petals look almost the same as fresh. Freeze drying our freshly harvested petals preserves them so the petals hold their shape, size & color...even the fragrance if they are fragrant to begin with. We do not enhance the fragrance or the color...they are 100% natural.

And if you do want to 'soften' your petals you can do so by placing the open container in a ‘steamy’ bathroom for 20-30 minutes or so. It is a relatively quick process that you can do several days or several hours before your event.

Natural is always good! So how long will freeze dried petals last?

Freeze dried petals can last for many months or even years when cared for properly. Store the petals in a cool, dry & dark place. A dark closet works great! To prolong the life of the freeze-dried petals, avoid high heat, high humidity and bright sunlight and do not refrigerate or freeze.

That's great! Anything else you want to add?

Another benefit in addition to the longevity of freeze-dried petals is the fact that under normal conditions they are not slippery and they don’t stain linens, wedding dresses, bedding, carpet or pavers. Flyboy Naturals petals are all natural, eco-friendly, bio-degradable & an affordable choice for every special event, proposal, engagement party, wedding, anniversary, celebration of life & so much more.

Thank Jami! I learned so much about the freeze drying process, I hope all your readers did too! Ready to shop for petals? Just head to the Our Products page to see all that Flyboy Naturals has to offer!