How to Make Rosewater From Dried Buds

Use rose petals or dried rosebuds to make rosewater.

Rosewater is made by steeping rose petals or rosebuds in water. Rosewater is used around the world in different ways. In the Middle East and Asia, rosewater is used in dessert recipes, rice pudding and as a flavoring; the drinks sweet lassi and bandung are both made with rosewater. In Europe and America, rosewater flavors some marshmallows and it is added to cosmetics, such as ointments and cold creams. Making rosewater takes some time, but is made with few ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Pot with lid
• 2 cups dried rosebuds
• Teakettle
• Jar

Instructions

1. Boil water in a teakettle.

2. Place the dried rosebuds in the pot and add enough boiling water to cover them.

3. Cover the pot and let the water cool as the rosebuds steep.

4. Pour the water and rosebuds into a jar when cool and set in a refrigerator overnight.

5. Strain out the rosebuds.

6. Store the rosewater in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also freeze the rosewater in an ice cube tray and thaw out rosewater cubes as needed.

References

• "Natural Beauty Basics: Create Your Own Cosmetics and Body Care Products"; Dorie Byers; 2001
• "Jeanne Rose: Herbal Body Book: The Herbal Way to Natural Beauty & Health for Men & Women"; Jeanne Rose; 2000
• "Ultimate Natural Beauty Book:100 Gorgeous Beauty Products to Make Easily at Home"; Josephine Fairley; 2008
• "Secrets of the Spas: Pamper and Vitalize Yourself at Home (Life's Little Luxuries)"; Catherine Bardey; 1999
• "A World of Cake: From honey cakes to flat cakes, fritters to chiffons, meringues to mooncakes, tartes to tortes, fruit cakes to spice cakes, 150 ... traditions from cultures around the world"; Krystina Castella; 2010