To make rose water for drinking, you'll need to gently boil rose petals in water. Here’s a simple guide:
Steps to Make Rose Water
- Prepare the Roses: Gather fresh rose petals. Ensure they are free from pesticides and dirt. You can use petals from your own garden or purchase food-grade roses.
- Combine Roses and Water: Place the rose petals in a pan. Add enough water to just cover the petals.
- Gently Boil: Bring the water to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently. Continue to simmer until the rose petals lose their color and the kitchen fills with a pleasant rose aroma. This should take approximately 5-10 minutes. The reference states: "Combine the roses and water into a pan and gently boil till the colour of the petals gets duller and your kitchen smells of roses – around 5-10 minutes."
- Cool and Strain: Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. Once cooled, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the rose petals.
- Bottle and Store: Pour the rose water into a sterilized bottle. It can be stored in the cupboard or in the refrigerator once opened.
Tips for the Best Rose Water
- Use fresh, fragrant roses: The quality of your roses will impact the flavor and scent of your rose water.
- Don't over-boil: Simmering the mixture is key to extracting the essence of the rose petals without making the water bitter.
- Sterilize bottles: This helps prolong the shelf life of your homemade rose water.
- Adjust water levels: If you want a stronger rose flavor, reduce the amount of water.
- Experiment with different rose varieties: Each type of rose will yield a slightly different fragrance and taste.
Benefits of Drinking Rose Water
While the primary purpose of making rose water in this method is for consumption, some people also use it for:
- Hydration: It adds a subtle flavor and can encourage you to drink more water.
- Flavor enhancement: It can be added to beverages and desserts.
By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare your own rose water at home for drinking. Remember to always use fresh, clean ingredients to ensure the best and safest results.
