Rose Syrup

Rose syrup: a sweet and fragrant delight

Cooking is an art, but also a way to create beautiful memories with loved ones. Today, I will share a recipe for rose syrup, a versatile ingredient that will add a touch of elegance and an unmistakable flavor to your dishes. This syrup is not only delicious but also a healthy choice, considering that roses are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 1 liter of syrup

Ingredients

- 300 g rose petals (make sure they are untreated)
- 10 g lemon salt (or citric acid)
- 1 liter of still water
- 700 g granulated sugar

Necessary utensils

- Double-bottomed stainless steel pot
- Fine sieve or cheesecloth
- Glass bottles for storage
- Wooden spoon

Step by step

1. Picking the petals: This step is essential. Choose the rose petals in the morning, after the dew has evaporated, to ensure they are fresh and full of fragrance. Avoid petals with spots or damage. Gently wash them in cold water to remove impurities.

2. Boiling the petals: In the double-bottomed pot, add 1 liter of still water and bring to a boil. When the water starts to bubble, carefully sprinkle the rose petals into the water. Let them boil for 10-15 minutes. You will notice how the color of the water gradually changes from green to red, a sign that the aroma and hue of the petals have been extracted.

3. Adding lemon salt: After 10-15 minutes, add the lemon salt. This not only helps preserve the color but also adds a pleasant acidity to the syrup. Stir gently and watch as the liquid becomes more vibrant.

4. Straining the liquid: Using a fine sieve or cheesecloth, strain the liquid to remove the rose petals. You can gently press to extract as much liquid from the petals as possible. You now have a fragrant rose extract, ready to be turned into syrup.

5. Boiling the syrup: Put the liquid back on the heat and add the granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Continue to simmer the syrup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired consistency. A trick is to check the syrup's consistency by dropping a drop on a cold plate; if it thickens, it's ready.

6. Bottling: Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency, carefully pour it into clean, dry glass bottles. Seal them tightly and store them in a cool, dark place. The syrup will stay fresh for several months, but I assure you it will disappear quickly!

Useful tips

- Pairing with other dishes: Rose syrup is wonderful in refreshing drinks, mixed with sparkling mineral water. It can also be used as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or cakes. Try it in cocktails for a floral note.
- Nutritional benefits: Roses have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and rose syrup is a natural alternative to commercial syrups, which are often full of additives.
- Variations: Experiment with different types of roses to achieve varied flavors. You can also add additional flavors like vanilla or cardamom to create a customized syrup.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought rose petals?
- It is not recommended to use store-bought rose petals, as they are often treated with pesticides and other chemicals. Choose fresh, untreated roses.

2. How can I tell if the syrup is thick enough?
- Test the consistency by dropping a drop on a cold plate. If it thickens slightly, it is ready.

3. Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
- Yes, but keep in mind that sugar not only sweetens but also helps preserve the syrup. Reducing the sugar amount may affect the shelf life.

Serving and suggestions

For an elegant presentation, pour the rose syrup over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or use it as a filling for cakes. You can also add it to a gin and tonic cocktail for a refined drink, perfect for a summer evening.

Personal note

Rose syrup is a memory of summers spent in my grandmother's garden. Its sweet and floral aroma evokes a feeling of nostalgia and joy. Share this recipe with your loved ones and add a touch of magic to your meals!

In conclusion, rose syrup is more than just an ingredient; it is an experience, a story, and a way to bring a splash of beauty to each day. So let’s enjoy this delight and explore together the art of cooking with love!