How to make your own Rosewater DIY

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Rosewater in the drugstore is normally synthetic rose fragrance in water. Pure Rosewater or Hydrosol is harder to find and more expensive. It can be just as easy (and free) to make your own when the season is right. Use non-sprayed roses (Damascus smells absolutely divine!), organic when possible. If you don't grow them yourself, ask a neighbor or family friend. Offer to split the rosewater with them or make them a treat with rosewater in it (ideas listed below). Farmer's Markets are also a great place to look.

Gracious Granny (mentioned before) allowed me to pick some of her roses one evening. Pick in the morning (or evening), when the dew has dried but the sun isn't in full force. The roses will be their most fragrant during these hours.

This picture explains how to make your own still. Pictures are worth a thousand words, right?

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It's basically two heavy glass bowls (I used the smaller bowls of this set. Pyrex Prepware 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set, Clear ) and a large stockpot with a lid.

How to make your Rose Water or Hydrosol with Makeshift Still
Ingredients
3-4 c packed rose petals (non-sprayed)
12 c water
Several cups of ice

Directions:
1. Set one bowl, upside down, on the bottom of the stock pot and then the second bowl, facing up, on top of the other bowl.
2. Scatter the rose betals in the bottom of the stock pot around the bowl and then pour the water on top of the petals. Cover.
3. Bowl then turn to low. Invert the lid and pour several cups of ice in the lid.
4. The steam will rise and then when it hits the cold lid, drop into the top bowl. This top bowl contains the rose hydrosol or rosewater.
5. Let it simmer for 20-60 minutes or until 1-2 cups has gathered in the top bowl.

Ideas for RoseWater:
*Fill ice cube tray with rose water and stick a rose petal in each compartment. Freeze over night. Use in lemonade or with sparkling water or champagne. Makes a very elegant beverage!

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*Mix in pavlovas, ice cream, frosting, meringues (or vegan meringues) and homemade chocolate bars. Also great in warmed honey as an icing for baklava.

*Combine equal parts rose water and aloe vera juice for a toner. Add to homemade lotions, sunscreens, and facials.

Here is Big Blue Eyes pouring herself some rose water.

Also, I shared this one allergy-free wednesdays!