Rose water

[Guest guest]

Unless you do not have your own roses in the garden, do not even

think of making rose water. Kazanlik or any full-bodied, fragrant

roses such as Damask or Bourbon are suitable. The roses should not be

treated with any pesticides and have to be picked early in the

morning before they are touched by the sun.

This recipe is the most traditional way to prepare rose water. Though

it is a little more involved, its fun to do and the results are

outstanding. You can make a quart of excellent-quality rose water in

about 40 minutes. However, if you simmer the water too long, you will

continue to produce distilled water but the rose essence will become

diluted. Your rose water will smell more like plain distilled water,

rather than the heavenly scent of roses.

Rosewater is added to baklava and other dishes in the Middle East,

and makes a wonderful face cleanser. I sometimes also add a few drops

to the water when I iron sheets.

 

Be sure you have a brick and heat-safe stainless steel or glass quart

bowl ready before you begin.

 

Ingredients

2-3 quarts fresh roses or rose petals

water

ice cubes or crushed ice

 

1. In the centre of a large pot (the speckled blue canning pots are

ideal) with an inverted lid (a rounded lid), place a fireplace brick.

On top of the brick, place the bowl. Put the roses in the pot; add

enough flowers to reach the top of the brick. Pour in just enough

water to cover the roses. The water should be just above the top of

the brick.

 

2. Place the lid upside down on the pot. Turn on the stove and bring

the water to a rolling boil, then lower heat to a slow steady simmer.

As soon as the water begins to boil, toss two or three trays of ice

cubes (or a bag of ice) on top of the lid.

 

3. You have now created a home still! As the water boils, the steam

rises, hits the top of the cold lid, and condenses. As it condenses

it flows to the centre of the lid and drops into the bowl. Every

twenty minutes, quickly lift the lid and take out a tablespoon or two

of the rose water. It is time to stop when you have between a pint

and a quart of water that smells and tastes strongly like roses.

 

 

 

Gabriella