Rosewater in cooking and folklore

While it may be more common to think of roses in perfume or a bouquet, throughout much of the Middle East and Central Asia, rosewater is used to flavor teas, drinks, jams and other sweets. Roses even have their own folklore and many attest to their medicinal properties.

The origin of roses is unknown but they've been used for thousands of years. They grow wild throughout much of Central Asia. Marzipan was actually invented by the Persians and originally it contained almonds, sugar and rosewater. As Islam spread throughout the East and into Southern Europe, rosewater became more common in Western cooking as well.

Rosewater is a by-product in the production of rose oil, which is used in perfume. The distillation of the rose petals yields the coveted rose oil which is separated from the water. The remaining solution is known as rosewater or rose aroma.  

The central Iranian city of Qamsar is the largest producer of rosewater today. The town of Ksarnaba in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley is also famous for its roses and rosewater production. Ksarnaba has continued its traditional agricultural practices despite the challenges affecting the sector in Lebanon. Their unique, especially fragrant roses are used for making the solution, much of which is exported.

Tradition & Folklore

As roses arrive to the markets in the summer months, it’s not uncommon for people to be seen carrying baskets of them away. It's the Eastern equivalent of a summer strawberry jam.

Rosehips are collected once the flower season has reached its peak. They’re used similarly to the petals in teas, jams, and baked goods.

Roses also have significance in religion and folklore. The water used to clean Islam’s holiest shrine the Kaaba contains rosewater. It’s also used in Hindu rituals. During the Middle Ages, Catholic followers counted prayers with rosehips, and thus the rosary prayer was named after the Latin word rosarium or rose garden.

Traditionally roses have also been used for medicinal purposes. With more vitamin C than oranges, they contain vitamins A, D, and E and many antioxidants.