Making rose water at home is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the natural fragrance and benefits of roses. Whether you prefer the simmering method or the distillation method, you can create your own high-quality rose water with just a few basic ingredients and equipment.
What Types of Roses Should You Use?
For the best results, it’s recommended to use fragrant, organic roses that are free of pesticides. Some of the most suitable varieties include Rosa damascena (damask rose) and Rosa centifolia (centifolia or \”cabbage\” rose), but any aromatic roses will work.
How Much Rose Petals and Water Do You Need?
Simmering Method
- 2-3 cups of fresh rose petals or 1/4 cup of dried rose petals
- Enough distilled water to just cover the petals (e.g., 2 cups of water for 2 cups of rose petals)
Distillation Method
- 4-5 blossoms (or about 2-3 cups of fresh rose petals)
- 1.5 to 5 cups of distilled water, depending on the amount of rose petals used
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Rose Water
Simmering Method
- Prepare the roses by removing the petals from the stems and rinsing them with lukewarm water.
- Add the cleaned rose petals to a saucepan and cover them with distilled water, ensuring the water level is just enough to cover the petals.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the petals have lost their color and are pale.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard the rose petals.
- Allow the rose water to cool, then pour it into a clean glass jar or bottle and refrigerate for future use.
Distillation Method
- Prepare the roses by removing the petals from the stems and rinsing them with lukewarm water.
- Place a heat-proof bowl in the center of a large pot. Add the rose petals around the bowl and cover them with distilled water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Place the pot’s lid upside down on the pot and add ice cubes to the lid.
- As the ice melts, the vapor will condense on the underside of the lid and drip into the bowl. Continue adding ice cubes as needed for 20-30 minutes, or until the color from the petals fades.
- Allow the rose water to cool, then carefully remove the bowl and pour the rose water into a clean glass container.
How to Store and Preserve Rose Water
To extend the shelf life of your homemade rose water, follow these best practices:
– Use clean, glass containers or bottles for storage.
– Refrigerate the rose water to keep it fresh.
– If you add vodka as a preservative, the rose water can last several weeks to a few months.
– Without preservatives, homemade rose water typically lasts for about one week in the refrigerator.
Cost Breakdown
The total cost for making rose water at home can range from approximately $6 to $17, depending on the source and quantity of roses and whether you need to purchase any additional equipment.
Reference:
[1] The Foodie Affair: How To Make Rose Water Using Fresh Flowers
[2] The Healthy Maven: How To Make Rose Water + DIY Rosewater Face Toner
[3] Moon and Spoon and Yum: How to Make Rose Water at Home 2 Ways – Easy DIY Rosewater
[4] The Spruce Eats: How to Make Rose Water
[5] The Spruce Crafts: How to Make Rose Water
