What Are Preserved Flowers and How to Preserve Flowers Forever — Learn How Real Flowers Are Preserved, Dried, and Last for Years by ZESO Blooms

ZESO preserved flowers are 100% real blooms, picked at their best and carefully treated with a non-toxic formula made from plant-based glycerin and food-safe dyes. During this process, the glycerin replaces the flower’s natural moisture, so the petals stay soft and keep their natural shape. The colors come from safe, food-grade pigments — the same kind used in sweets and drinks — which makes every flower gentle to the touch and safe for skin.

Every preserved bloom is made with biodegradable materials in an eco-friendly setting. At ZESO, we’re also working toward a carbon-neutral supply chain, bringing sustainable beauty from our farms to your home.

ZESO preserved flowers start their journey in high-altitude farms near the 25th parallel north. These areas get plenty of sunshine — over 2,200 hours each year — and stay mild all year round with almost no frost. The natural balance of light, temperature, and soil means our roses grow strong on their own, without much need for artificial help.
Each flower is real and hand-picked right before it reaches full bloom, when the petals are at their softest and the color is at its best — the perfect moment to begin preservation.

After each flower is picked, it goes through a gentle dehydration process. Unlike traditional drying, no heat is used — the moisture is slowly removed in a low-humidity environment so the petals keep their natural shape and soft texture. During this stage, we carefully select only the best blooms. On average, more than half are set aside if they show small imperfections. The remaining flowers move on to the next stage, forming the base for lasting softness and color.
Those that don’t make the cut aren’t wasted — most are redirected for secondary use, following the same food-grade safety standards we apply across the whole ZESO process.

After drying, each selected bloom is soaked in a natural solution made from plant-based glycerin and food-safe color pigments — ingredients like turmeric or betanin that are also found in food and cosmetics. This replaces the flower’s original sap, bringing moisture back into the petals and helping them stay soft and flexible.
The color infusion happens slowly over several days under carefully controlled conditions. Some flowers are tinted for visual tone, while white roses stay completely natural to show their pure, original form. This step gives every preserved bloom its lasting color and strength — turning something delicate into something that endures.

After each bloom has been rehydrated and colored, it enters a slow and steady drying phase. This stage helps balance the moisture inside the petals, locking in the softness, shape, and color created earlier. The flowers rest in humidity- and temperature-controlled rooms for several days — no heating, no baking, just gentle air circulation that mimics natural drying under perfect conditions.
Once ready, every flower is checked by hand. Only those with balanced form, soft petals, and even color move forward to packaging. On average, less than half of the harvested blooms make it to this stage — the rest are used for other natural applications. What remains are flowers that truly meet the ZESO standard: authentic, precise, and made to last.

Once the flowers pass their final inspection, they’re carefully packed to stay protected and stable for years to come. Packaging plays a key role in keeping every bloom in perfect condition — both in storage and on its journey to you.
Each flower is secured inside shock-resistant, moisture-controlled packaging, such as kraft boxes or clear protective cases. These materials help prevent shape changes during transport, protect against humidity and sunlight, and reduce friction or impact.
From harvest to sealed packaging, the full preservation process takes about 10 to 15 days. Afterward, the blooms are used to create floral arrangements and art pieces that combine science with beauty. At ZESO, we believe preserved flowers aren’t just an alternative to fresh ones — they’re a new way to let nature last longer.