Yes, homemade rose water can be a beneficial and cost-effective alternative to commercially produced versions. It's believed that the process infuses the water with the flower's beneficial properties, making it suitable for various applications, including skincare and aromatherapy.
Benefits of Homemade Rose Water
- Cost-effective: Making your own rose water is significantly cheaper than buying it.
- Control over ingredients: You choose the type of roses and avoid preservatives or additives found in commercial products.
- Freshness: Homemade rose water is fresher and may retain more of the rose's beneficial properties.
- Versatile Uses: It can be used in skincare routines, as a culinary ingredient, or for aromatherapy. One source mentions its use in "skin care regimes" due to the belief that the "life force of the flowers can be imprinted into the water and used to create remedies, when ingested or used topically".
Making Homemade Rose Water: A Simple Process
Numerous online sources detail simple methods for creating homemade rose water. These generally involve combining rose petals with water, sometimes with the addition of a small amount of vodka as a preservative (e.g., one teaspoon per two cups of water). Methods range from simmering to distillation. Recipes often specify the use of pesticide-free rose petals. For example, one recipe calls for "1/4 cup uncoated, pesticide-free rose petals and 1 1/2 cups water."
Considerations
- Rose Selection: Using organically grown, fragrant roses is recommended for optimal quality and scent.
- Preservation: Adding a small amount of vodka helps to extend the shelf life of your homemade rose water. Refrigeration is also important for prolonging freshness.
