Do you have fresh or dried rose petals at home that you usually throw away? Is it because you do not know what to do with them? Do you throw it away because you don’t know how to make rose water?
Rosewater is a bit expensive, so making it at home will be considerably cheap. Don’t worry! We have a solution for you! In this article, we will discuss different methods to make rose water at home.
What Is Rosewater?
Rosewater is a liquid made with dried or fresh rose petals either by simmering or through distillation. This fragrant liquid is highly versatile and has a place in the culinary world.
It can be used with spices like saffron, cardamon; nuts like almonds and coconuts; and fruits like oranges, strawberries, and lemons. In addition, it is also used across cultures in various recipes like mithai, halva, macarons, cocktails, lemonades, cookies, and much more.
You Can Make DIY Rose Water Either Through-
Simmering
Simmering rose petals is easier and quicker. It results in fragrant, light rose-colored water. Choose this method if you plan to use rose water for cooking and baking because the shelf life is limited, so consume it quickly.
DIY Distilling
Compared to simmering, this method is a bit time-consuming, but it is still manageable. The distillation process results in a hydrosol solution. When essential oils are manufactured, we are left with hydrosol as one of its by-products.
The difference between essential oils and hydrosols is that the latter is mostly water. Unlike in the case of simmering, the shelf life of rosewater is longer when distilled.
Using Rose Essential Oils
We can make rose water using rose essential oils. Rose essential oil usually comes from the damask rose plant, but we also make it using the cabbage rose plant.
However, if you plan to use this method, use pure rose essential oil and not fragrance oil. Also, keep in mind that pure essential oil is expensive, so this wouldn’t make much difference in buying rosewater and making it.
3 Easy Steps To Make Rose Water At Home
Here are different methods you can use to make rose water from scratch.
Step 1: Choosing Rose Petals.
You are lucky if you have roses at home since your job just got easier. Cut the rose early in the morning when they blossom as it’s at its most fragrance then. If you do not want to pick these pretty flowers, you can wait until they dry up. Yes- rosewater can be used using dried petals as well.
However, if you plan to buy roses, then pick from the organic lot. You do not want your rosewater filled with chemicals and inorganic pesticides. Use edible rose plants like Rosa damascene, Rosa centifolia, Rosa gallica, and so on if you plan to use the rosewater for cooking.
After selecting the desired rose, rinse thoroughly to get rid of dirt, insects, and even chemicals.
Step 2: Gather The Necessary Ingredients And Tools.
Ingredients Needed For Simmering Method-
- Rose petals (dried/ fresh/ crushed)- ¼ cup
- Water- 1 ½ cup
- Vodka (optional)
- Saucepan or any cooking vessel
- Strainer/cheesecloth
- Glass jar
Ingredients Needed For DIY Distillation Method-
- Dried rose petals- 1 ½ cup OR Fresh rose petals- 3-5 cups
- Water
- Ice
- Large stockpot
- Metal bowl- one small and one big
- Glass jar
Ingredients Needed For The Essential Oil Method-
- Rose essential rose- 12 drops
- Vodka- 2-3 teaspoons
- Distilled water- 1 cup
- Glass jar/ spray bottle
Step 3: Preparation
Simmering Method
- Place the saucepan or your choice of a vessel on medium flame.
- First, add 1 ½ cups of water to the vessel. Then, you can add in the rose petals. You can use fresh, dried, or even crushed rose petals. The choice is really yours!
- Add one teaspoon of vodka to help preserve the rose water, but this step is optional.
- Cover the mix and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer the liquid until the color of the rose petal fades or is translucent. This process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Turn the heat off. Let the liquid cool completely with the lid on.
- After the mix has cooled down, transfer it into a dark, clean glass bottle using a strainer or a cheesecloth. Avoid using a metal container or a plastic bottle since a reaction can take place. Make sure it is high-quality plastic if you are planning on transferring it into a plastic container.
- For longer shelf life, store the liquid in the refrigerator. Note that even if you refrigerate it, use it within two-three months. However, if you plan to leave it outside, use it within a week.
DIY Distillation Method
- In the center of a large stockpot, place the small metal bowl face up.
- On top of this small bowl, place the bigger bowl or a heat-safe glass bowl.
- Sprinkle the rose petals into the pot. Ensure that the petals do not fall into the big bowl.
- Pour water till the small bowl is completely submerged. Make sure all the petals are covered.
- Place an inverted lid on top of the pot, covering the whole pot. Through the distillation method, the evaporated steam gets collected onto the lid. The steam eventually gets collected at the center of the lid and drops into the bowl.
- Put the ice cube in a zip lock bag to avoid any mess and place it on the lid (preferably in the center) to accelerate the condensation process. Replace the ice as and when it melts.
- Place the pot on medium flame and bring it to a boil. After it reaches the boiling temperature, it reduces the heat. Let the water simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- After this, remove the pot from the heat. Let it cool completely.
- Remove the lid carefully so that the ice does not melt and falls into the distilled contents in the bowl.
- Strain the contains using a strainer into a dark, clean glass jar.
- Distilled rose water lasts longer than simmered rose water. It lasts for six months if you refrigerate it.
Using Essential Oils
- Pour the distilled water into the clean glass jar. If you do not have filtered water, then boil the tap water. However, make sure you use it only after it comes back to room temperature. Boiling kills the bacteria which might be present in the tap water.
- Dilute the rose essential oil in vodka. It ensures that the oil gets mixed in the water and does not simply stay afloat.
- Add this mixture to the water poured into the glass jar.
- Close the lid and shake the contents for a minute or two.
- You can either leave the rose water in the jar or transfer it to a spray bottle according to your usage.
Uses Of Rose Water
Like I mentioned before, rosewater is highly versatile. This means that it can be used in numerous ways and can be incorporated into your daily routine. Here are a few ways you can use rosewater.
Toner
Rosewater combined with distilled water is used as a skin toner. Its anti-clogging properties help to open the clogged pores. Transfer the mix into a spray bottle, or you can even use a cotton ball to softly dab.
During Bath
Rosewater is known for its relaxing and hydrating properties. So, one of the best ways to incorporate its use is to pour a few drops into your tub during your bath. Lie down in this solution for 30-60 minutes to get your daily dose of freshness.
Body And Hair Moisturizer
Add a little rosewater into your moisturizer for that extra hydration. Also, rosewater is known to help with acne problems, inflammation, and redness and strengthen skin cells.
Perfume
Did you know that rosewater is extremely aromatic? It is a perfect substitute for your perfume and even acts as a natural perfume since it is not loaded with chemicals.
Diet
Rosewater can be mixed with food. Add a teaspoon of rosewater to your tea for your fresh start. It can also be consumed with yogurt, lemonade, and much more.
Linen
This might come as a surprise to you, but rosewater is also used on linen. This keeps the clothes smelling fresh.
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Your takeaway
Rosewater is expensive to buy, but it is pretty simple to make at home. You can make it using either the simmering method or the distillation method. We can also make it using Rose essential oils.
Since this liquid has numerous benefits, you can also incorporate it into your daily routine either as a beauty product or into your diet. It is suitable for hair and skin, has anti-inflammatory properties, fights dandruff, has a calming and hydration effect, and more.
