ORGANIC ROSE WATER

 

 

Whilst we look at Roses to beautify our gardens and homes, they also work well to make food items like Rose Jam/Jelly and Rose Water.  Rose water has an antiseptic property so it is also good in cosmetic preparations.  Here are 3 easy ways to give your roses a second life.  Always make sure they are organically grown and scented, the colour is immaterial (except if you are making a rose jam/jelly).

1)  For the purest form of rosewater which you can use  in sweets like Turkish Delight, Rice Puddings and Indian desserts:

• simply tie the roses and suspend in a jar. 
• Place the jar (as in picture) in the sun for 3 to 5 days you will start to see the water from the roses condensing.
• Collect in a small bottle and place in the fridge as there are no preservatives.

2)  The second way - condensation - is a little more involved:

• wash the petals
• place a ramekin in the middle of the pan
• place the petals around the ramekin 
• pour in a litre of water
• cover with a lid (upside down) and put some ice cubes on the top
• when the ice melts add a second batch of ice cubes
• by the time your second batch of cubes melts you will have collected enough rose water in the ramekin.
• pour into a bottle and refrigerate.

3)  The third method you can use is best for cosmetic purposes - facial sprays or room fresheners.

• simply place petals in a bowl and pour a cup of boiling water over them.
• when cool strain
• add a few drops of Jojoba oil (if using for a facial spray) or Lavender oil (for a room freshener).
• pour into a spray bottle.