I’ll show you a bouquet of roses today. In the second thought for me the roses are way too beautiful to be reserved to Valentine’s Day, and whenever I have the chance take a break, I enjoy the pink petal fantasies. Rose fragrances are a great way to dream about summer, however, my secret can be hidden in a cupboard in my kitchen. It’s an ounce of rosewater. I drink to make my morning tea. I also pour it onto my face, and then sprinkle it on my bed sheets to give a wonderful ending for my morning. If you’re looking for everything to come out in a beautiful way, it’s hard to resist its honeyed fragrance.
Rosewater is a by-product of the production of rose oil. After the petals of roses are steam-distilled to remove the watery component (hydrosol) which remains once the essence oil has been removed, still has a strong smell. It’s sought-after for its flavor and cosmetic properties. The real rosewater has the scent of a stroll through a flowering garden. Commercially, its main use is in the fields of skincare and flavor. Food, it’s not exclusively used for sweets and desserts, but a rose scent can be an interesting layer of flavor to any dish.
I could provide you with 100 ways to make rosewater. It’s extremely versatile! I’ll start with 10 recipes ideas, and in the future I’ll add more recipes to my collection. Click on the rosewater tag to check out my top rosewater recipes. Before that let me give you some guidelines about what you should be looking for when shopping for rosewater.
Rosewater Shopping
Food grade and cosmetic grade rosewater can be purchased in Indian or Middle Eastern stores, Whole Foods and even gourmet stores like Dean & Deluca. When purchasing your rosewater, pay to the brand name. There are many different kinds of rosewaters. created equal. While some brands provide the genuine by-products of production of rose oils other brands offer reconstituted versions with different quality. The best rosewaters are produced by Iranian firms, where production of rosewater is a reputable business. If you’re buying Iranian rosewater is produced in Kashan (it is stated so on its label) You’re in for an exceptional delight. Kashan roses are scented with warm honey and fruity.
Lebanese rosewaters are equally excellent. Mimouna is my preferred choice for rosewater that is authentic. It is made using traditional techniques by a women’s cooperative located in Lebanon. Cortes is another highly recommended Lebanese brand. Their product is made of distillation of rose petals and no added ingredients. The fragrance is more metallic and citrusy than Mimouna’s, however for massages and cooking dishes that require heating, it’s a great choice.
When it comes to reconstituting rosewaters, things become murkier. One of the most effective choices is the Heritage brand that is sold at natural food shops. It’s made of only natural rose oil as well as distilled water. It has a scent that resembles sun-warmed rose petals. The less well-known brands are those which enhance their reconstitutions of rosewater with synthetic roses. While their products are suitable for consumption but the aroma could be strong and metallic. If you come across an ingredient label that reads “Water, Concentrated Rose Water, Natural Rose Flavors” or “Steam Distillate Made from The Pure Rose Petals. Ingredients: Propylene Glycol Alcohol(40 percent), Rose Oil, Natural Flavors,” beware that you might not be getting the most value.
Light Fragrance
Rosewater is exactly as fresh flowers and what it doesn’t have in terms of longevity, which is 10 minutes you’ll receive however, it compensates by its sunny appeal. When you’re on the road or don’t wish to be a the scent of perfume It’s the perfect choice. It’s a refreshing and positive experience.
Face Toner
A key ingredient in a variety of skincare products rosewater will likely be in lotions, toners and creams. The anti-inflammatory qualities of rosewater make it a great choice on dry, irritated and sensitive skin. In Morocco it is often blended with argon oil to create an DIY makeup removal product. I add 1 tablespoon of rosewater in one cup of H2O distilled for a toner that softens. Like any other new skin care product ensure you perform the test on a patch before you begin using it on a regularly.
Hair Rinse
Another way to include rosewater in my regimen for beauty can be to apply it for shampoo (2 Tablespoons for 1 cup water). After shampooing and conditioning the hair I rinse it thoroughly and then apply the rosewater mixture. It’s great for the hair and leaves a soft scent in my locks.
Body Treatments
The numerous benefits of rosewater for skin treatment make it a fascinating supplement to homemade body care. I like to use it in my Rose and Vanilla Almond Oil when I’m strapped to time you can mix it with rosewater and my usual body cream. It is also possible to add it to scrubs or directly into the bath water. A bath scented with roses after a tiring day is the ideal remedy to anxiety.
Scented Bedsheets
A recipe to make sweet dreams and more! I mix the 3 Tablespoons of rosewater per half cup water, and add it to the spray bottle. Prior to getting in the bed, gently mist your sheets with the scent of water.
Yogurt and Custards
Nearly everything milk-based works well with rose, including yogurt, cream fresh cheese. Light and delicate, rice pudding is among my favorite desserts, falling under the category of comfort food. You can substitute rose water to replace the water of orange blossoms for my dish. Add a teaspoon of rosewater into the pannacotta. Be cautious not to overdo it since the aroma of roses is very intense.
Lemonade and Tea
I like to start my day with a cup rose tea, thanks to the amazing recipe that was created by Andy our resident expert on tea. The combination of rich roses as well as bitter tea are simply irresistible.
Since lemon and rose have a lot in common so it’s only natural that you mix these two flavors. Begin by adding one teaspoon of rosewater to your lemonade recipe of choice and watch the way the floral nuances of lemon becomes more intense.
Cakes and Cookies
Old Russian recipes for pastry usually include rosewater as an scents that can be used, as well as vanilla, cardamom and cognac and lemon peel. In the cake batter or batter for the butter cookie dough, using rosewater won’t cause them to smell fragrant however, it does add depth and a greater amount of complexity. One tablespoon for every cup of flour will be my preferred recipe (be sure to alter the amount of liquid that is used to make the dish).
Berry and Fruit Salads
Rose and lychee are one of the most loved combinations in perfumery, ranging from Chloe up to Serge Lutens’ Sa Majeste la Rose-these notes are a perfect match. Strawberry, raspberries and even apples can be a perfect match to rose. One of my most loved winter salads is made of julienned apples and pears, topped with rosewater, lemon juice and sugar. Make sure to macerate for 15-30 minutes, then serve alongside lady finger tips to absorb those delicious fruit juices.
In spring, I provide the raspberries an extra boost by adding sugar, rosewater and some Thyme. The taste is amplified tenfold.
Almonds and Pistachios
If you’ve got recipes that make use of pistachios or almonds, you can be sure that rosewater will work perfectly. The creamy sweetness of these nuts melds perfectly with rose that you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try this combo earlier. The majority of popular Indian or Middle Eastern sweets usually rely on this flavor combination.