Where can I get organic fresh roses? I want to make rose water!

Live in Chicago

jummana
  • Posted by: jummana
  • June 13, 2014
  • 28186 views
  • 4 Comments

4 Comments

Voted the Best Reply!

Diana B. June 13, 2014
I don't want to rain on your parade, but I just tried making rose water, using fragrant roses from my own garden, and got something vegetal and unpleasant. A trip to the local middle eastern market netted me a decent-sized bottle for $1.50, so I won't be wasting my time on that experiment again. Maedl may be correct that the variety of rose matters, because R. damascena aren't all that popular in the U.S. any more, whereas in the Middle East, I imagine these tough, fragrant roses are still prized.
 
Raffaella D. June 6, 2019
do you dilute that? That alwadi is quite concentrated
 
HalfPint June 13, 2014
Call a knowledgeable florist and ask if they can order organic roses for you. You can also try searching online.
 
Maedl June 13, 2014
It is not just a matter of finding organic roses, you need to find Damascene roses (Rosa damascena). This is an early rose variety and has a strong scent, thus the carryover in taste. I would begin by asking friends who grow roses if they have the R. damascena. If that fails, then I would contact a botanical garden and see what they recommend.

I think you would be wasting your time if you used a modern, hybridized rose. They don't have the scent which is so important.
 
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