2012 Herb of the Year – ‘Rose’ -   Not thought of in the same category as basil or thyme, rose petals are highly edible, as well as the rose hips (seed heads) commonly used in herbal medicines, teas, vitamins, etc.  Jim Long (author of “How to Eat a Rose”) wrote, “In America, we tend to look upon the rose as just a flower in a vase.  Roses are used for lotions and rinses for the body, but it’s their use in foods that is fascinating to me.  Rose ice cream, sherbet (sweet beverage), rose wine, vinegars, candies, jams, jellies and teas are all an important part of life in many cultures.”   -Chosen by the International Herb Association