Turning Roses Into Rose Water
As you can see, my Valentine’s Day roses are getting a bit peaked. I could throw them out, of course, but why would I do that when rose petals are so useful? So I will try rooting one of the white roses and then I will turn the rest of the roses into rose water.
Rose water is an insanely simple thing to make, and a great way to recycle the Valentine’s bouquet when it’s done. You end up with a great smelling, edible, soothing liquid that has all kinds of great uses. For example, you rose water can be used:
1. As A Skin Toner. Rose water is a natural, gentle, and free skin toner, great for sensitive skin.
2. To Make Linens Smell Nice. A spritz of rose water on lingerie, sheets, etc. can add an extra sweet-smelling touch. I have also heard of people ironing with rose water, although I have never tried it.
3. In The Bath. Put rose water directly in the bath or add it to bath salts.
4. In Desserts. Rose water is used in a lot of different desserts, from Rose Water Panna Cotta to Poached Pears in Rose Water to ice cream.
5. As A Drink. You can put it in cocktails (recipe coming soon) or put it in non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade.
OK, so how do you make rose water? Here’s the recipe:
Rose Water:
Ingredients:
- 3 handfuls of rose petals, roughly the petals from 1 dozen roses
1 liter water
Directions:
Put water and petals in a pot. Turn the stovetop to medium low heat and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer the water on low heat, making sure to keep it under a boil, until the water has reduced by half and ther is a sweet rosey smell coming from the water.
Strain the petals from the water. Let the rose water cool and then transfer to an appropriate bottle for safe keeping. That’s it!
How do you use rose water?
ETA: It is possible there are pesticides on the roses, especially if they come from a florist. If this concerns you, do not eat the rose water.
