Delectable And Delicious Rose Flavored Treats
The beauty of the rose is seconded only by its healing properties. In Ayurveda the rose, more specifically the Damascus rose, is used for more than just perfumes. In foods it makes a delicious yet cooling accompaniment and as it has an affinity for the skin, it can also be used in a paste (lepas), along with sandalwood and fennel, to help in excess heat. As an essential oil it has nervine, antidepressant, antiseptic and aphrodisiac properties amongst others. In India a jam (Gulkand) is prepared using the rose petals and sugar. It is a simple recipe that involves layering of the petals and the sugar in a glass jar and leaving out in the sun for 10 days. Gulkand is a cooling and tasty treat to help balance the body during the summer months.

Organic Rose Petal Spread
Made with fragrant organic rose petals and organic sugarcane,
Organic Rose Petal Spread has a cooling and soothing effect on the physiology.

Some Healing Benefits Of Rose
·        Cooling
·        Improves complexion and reduces wrinkles
·        Reduces acidity
·        Purifies blood
·        Improves eyesight and memory
·        Reduces muscular ache
·        Relieves lethargy

Rose Petal Jam Recipe

Ingredients:
·        8oz  organic fresh rose petals (edible)
·        4.5 cups of water
·        2 cups organic cane sugar
·        Juice of 2 lemons

– Place petals in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Cover and leave in refrigerator overnight.
– In a pan, simmer the remaining sugar, water and lemon juice together.
– Stir in the rose petals and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the mixture thickens.
– Remove the lemon seeds and place into a glass jar for storage. Enjoy!

A Few Details:
You can choose to either keep the petals in the jam or strain them out. The seeds of the lemons contain pectin which will help to thicken the jam, so allow the seeds to also boil in this mixture. The jam can be used with cookies (see below), on homemade vanilla ice cream as well as on scones, breads and biscuits.

Organic Rose Water
Helps remove any traces of impurities; cleanses and invigorates the skin.

Rose Water Recipe
Rose water is a gentle astringent and has a variety of uses from foods to cosmetics. Making your own rose water is a simple yet beneficial way of having a cooling and sweet smelling ingredient close at hand. There are two main methods of producing rose water. The first is the more traditional method of steam distillation; it is a more involved process however the results are of delicious and heavenly aromas. The second is a simpler yet faster way to obtain the rose essence. The clip below is an example of the more traditional method, while the recipe below is the simple decoction.

Cool Video On How To Make Rose Water!

Ingredients:
·        3 cups Organic edible rose petals
·        4.5 cups water

– Place the petals into a pot and pour the water over it.
– Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat until the water is reduced by half
– Once cooled, strain the water into sterile glass jars, cap and store in the refrigerator.

*Using the rose jam and rose water recipes you can make delicious treats, like cardamom rose cookies:

Cardamom Rose Cookies

Ingredients:
·        1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
·        ½ cup All-purpose flour
·        ½ cup castor sugar
·        Pinch of salt
·        ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
·        6-7 tablespoons ghee
·        1 tsp of Rosewater
·        3-4 tablespoons of rose petal jam

– Dry roast the coconut for a few minutes. Set aside to cool.
– Combine the flour, salt, sugar, cardamom and coconut flakes. Mix well and add the rose water.
– Add the ghee 1 tablespoon at a time until mixture becomes doughy.
– Cover and place in refrigerator for 15 mins.
– Remove from fridge and knead dough a few times.
– Divide dough into 16 portions and roll into smooth balls.
– Place on a greased cookie sheet and gently dent the center of each doughball.
– Replace in fridge for a further 10 mins.
– Remove from fridge and bake in a preheated oven, 350 degrees, for 17-18 minutes.
– Remove from oven and place a small amount of the rose petal jam into the center of each cookie.
– Garnish with some sprinkled coconut and enjoy!

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.