Rose Water
I like to spend the early half of my summer exploring the emerging plants in the Rocky Mountains and foraging wild rose. It is beautiful how the earth always seems to offer us what we need each season through her plants. My goal each summer is to ethically forage enough rose to get me through the year until the following summer. Within the front range, this delicate botanical treasure can be effortlessly found if one knows where to cast their gaze.
Wild rose, for me, stands as an unparalleled herb to engage with throughout the summer season, as it possesses a remarkable capacity to cool the body, promote digestive wellness, and nurture emotional equilibrium.
Rose Water
The fragrant essence of rose water, delicately crafted from the petals of this enchanting flower, is a quintessential addition to my skincare regimen. I like to make fresh rose water each summer, put it in a spray bottle and then spray it on my face and body daily. Its gentle and soothing nature works wonders in nourishing and rejuvenating my skin, cools my mind and body and leaves me with a refreshing and radiant glow.
Ingredients:
Fresh rose petals (organic, pesticide-free)
Distilled water
Instructions:
Gently rinse the rose petals under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. It's important to use fresh, fragrant petals for the best results.
Place a heat-safe bowl or pot in the center of your stovetop. Make sure the bowl is deep enough to hold the rose petals and water.
Add enough rose petals to fill the bowl about halfway. You can use one type of rose or mix different varieties for a unique aroma.
Pour enough distilled water into the bowl to cover the rose petals completely. The petals should be fully submerged but not drowning in water.
Place a heat-safe lid or plate on top of the bowl, inverted, to create a makeshift cover. Make sure the lid is slightly smaller than the diameter of the bowl to allow steam to collect and condense.
Turn on the stove to medium heat and bring the water to a gentle simmer. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low.
Allow the rose petals to simmer gently for about 30 to 45 minutes. The steam will carry the essential oils and aromatic compounds from the petals, infusing the water with a delightful fragrance.
After the simmering time, turn off the heat and let the rose water cool completely.
Once cooled, strain the rose water using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar or bottle. This will remove any petal residue or impurities, leaving you with pure rose water.
Store the rose water in a cool, dark place or refrigerate it to prolong its shelf life. It should stay fresh for about a month.
Now you have your homemade rose water ready to be used in various skincare, culinary, or aromatherapy applications. Enjoy the delightful essence of roses in your daily routines!