Recipe for Rose Petal Jam:
Rose petal jam, also known as rose jam, is a sweet and fragrant preserve made from fresh rose petals, sugar, and lemon juice. It is a popular delicacy in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines and is often used as a topping for desserts, spread on bread or crackers, or mixed with yogurt or ice cream. The process of making rose petal jam involves boiling the petals in water until their color and fragrance are infused into the liquid. The petals are then strained out, and sugar and lemon juice are added to the liquid. The mixture is boiled until it thickens into a jam-like consistency. Rose petal jam has a delicate floral aroma and a sweet, slightly tangy taste. It is often garnished with dried rose petals for added visual appeal. Rose petal jam is not only delicious but also contains antioxidants and vitamin C, making it a healthy and nutritious addition to your diet.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh rose petals (remove white part from the base)
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp rose water (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the rose petals in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Add the rose petals to a large pot along with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the petals have lost their color and the water has turned pink.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove the petals, making sure to squeeze out all the liquid.
- Return the liquid to the pot and add the sugar and lemon juice. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- To check if the jam is ready, take a small spoonful and let it cool for a few seconds. If it thickens to a jam-like consistency, then it's ready.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before adding the rose water (if using).
- Transfer the jam to sterilized jars and let it cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.
Note: You can adjust the sweetness and tartness of the jam by adding more or less sugar and lemon juice. You can also experiment with different types of roses to get different flavors and colors of the jam.
