I love the first roses of spring—so vivid and velvety. The rose has been revered since ancient times for much more than its beauty and scent. Its petals impart a plethora of properties (say that 3 times!) that soothe & cleanse the skin, deodorize & freshen the air, and enhance the flavor of certain foods (rosewater is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, mostly in sweets).