How to Make Fresh Rose Water

The roses are still in bloom, surviving the hot, dry and summer heat. As the summer continues to bloom, I decided to experiment with nature in the kitchen. Cooking directly with nature ignites one’s soul more than one can understand.

It’s like getting a green thumb in the kitchen. Literally, a piece of the earth becomes a part of you. 
My first exposure to rose water was during my travels in India. I never realized that something so precious can be so good for one’s skin and health.

Rose water can be used for cooking or for beauty purposes. Many use rose water on the skin, similar to a toner specially to alleviate stress under the eyelids. 

You can add rose water to make your bath more fragrant. Also, you can use rose water in your shampoo, or use it as the final rinse. It’s known to moisturize dull hair. Not only did nature inspire me for this recipe, but I picked up an old antique book from one of Seattle's best Used Book Stores, Magus, in the U-District. This book includes the 19th Century design for plants and flowers. The images reminded me of these old antique flower books I saw in Nice, France. 

Created by Swiss-born, Paris-lived art designer, Eugene Grasset, I decided to use his illustrations created in the 1800's. Combined with my up cycled vintage frame and rose book from @bygonecharm (instagram and etsy), I wanted to bring back history to the beauty of the flowers. 

Rose water is not difficult to make. In fact, there are many ways to make rose water with some methods being easier than others. The goal is to find what method works for you. 

Homemade rose water will take on the color of the petals you use. If the water is too hot the water become more brown in color. My rosewater came out orange/brown because I used the yellow-pink rose as depicted in the pictures. 

How to  Make Fresh Rose Water
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes

Ingredients: 
2 cups of water
1 cup packed rose petals

Directions:
Wash and rinse the rose petals. Place them into a pot that has a lid. In a separate pot, heat the water until it nearly bubbles. Do not bring the water to a simmer or a boil. Once the water has some air bubbles at the bottom., pour the water on top of the rose petals. Cover the pot with the lid and let the petals soak until the water cools. This takes between 20-30 minutes. 

Have you made rose water before? If so, what is your favorite method to make rose water? Got any new tips or tricks?

Yum

Elizabeth Kovar - Author, Trainer, Traveler & Vegan Food Blogger

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