Roses are now in full bloom in Greece and it was a lovely comment, made by a Greek Country Living member after posting how to make pot pourri, that gave me the inspiration to make rose petal jam. Oh my! I was so glad to have tried this.
Collect red/pink rose heads that are fragrant. Either garden roses or forage for wild/dog roses. Make sure they are roadside and pesticide free.
Remove petals from the rose head and using scissors, cut out the white part that joined it to the centre. (this will make your jam bitter). Also cut out any damaged edges and remove any bugs.
You will need;
1 1/2 cups of water.
Rose petals approximately 2 cups (pushed down)
2 cups of sugar
Fresh juice of 2 lemons.
Sterilise two recycled glass jars with lids either in a pan of boiling water, or dishwasher.
1. Put the water and roses in a saucepan and gently simmer for 10 mins, uncovered.
2. Add the sugar and dissolve.
3. Add the lemon juice and watch the vibrant rose colour as you stir. Simmer for 10 mins.
4. If you are not confident making jam you can add a teaspoon of pectin now to ensure thickening.
5. Gently simmer for 20 more minutes. It will appear as a silky syrup with luscious bits of petals.
6. Pour into your sterile jars (it will thicken when cooled), seal and label.
This fresh homemade jam should keep in the fridge for 2 months (but it wont last that long) or you can freeze it. Its delicate fragrant flavour is scrumptious and each mouthful taste of love.
Spread the rose petal jam on toasted bread, swirl into Greek yoghurt, or oat porridge. Spoon it over pancakes, waffles, homemade ice-cream or serve it on fresh warm scones or even over a slice of lemon cake.
If you can bare it give it away it would make the perfect Mothers Day gift.
Pot Pourri
Before the petals drop cut off heads; this helps to produce more flowers.
With the cut roses save the petals to dry in a net bag or paper bag with holes.
When dry fill drawstring net/cotton sachet bags. Place among clean laundry, in wardrobes or in a dish by an open window.
Note; not all roses have fragrance or the scent may fade so you can also add your favourite essential oil.
Blooming marvelous!
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