I am very excited to announce that I have a new eBook coming out on April 29th! This book is all about baking with rose, since it is a flavour I absolutely love. I also spent such a long time working out how to make all the various recipes, and basics (like crystallised rose petals) that I thought it would be a great idea to put all that information in one place.
In the next few days I will share a recipe from the eBook here on the blog, though if you are on my mailing list this recipe will be emailed to you on Monday morning (April 29th), along with a special subscribers discount code to use when you purchase your copy. If you would like to join my mailing list please click here.
The below are a few tips for baking with rose, which I have found helpful over the years and will assist you in creating some great bakes with rose. If you have any further questions, leave them in the comments below and make sure you check out my new eBook ‘Baking with Rose’ on April 29th!
‘Baking with Rose’ eBook - release date 29/04/2019 - sign up to my mailing list for more information
How to Store Rose Petals
To store fresh rose petals, line a tupperware container with a piece of damp paper towel and seal with a lid. Place in the fridge (preferably in the crisper), for a shelf life of at least a week.
For storage of dried rose petals, ensure they are in a well sealed container, preferably glass, away from direct sunlight. If the rose petals have been dried correctly, they will last for years stored like this.
Where to Buy Rose Ingredients
Sometimes ingredients such as fresh rose petals can feel very elusive, but it helps to know where to look! If looking for fresh rose petals, I recommend looking at smaller more gourmet green grocers, or ask around friends and family to see if anyone has roses that aren't sprayed. If based in Australia, Petite Ingredient will ship them when in season. They can also sometimes be found at Harris Farm Markets.
I would recommend buying rosewater from Persian grocers. You know it's the real deal, and you can often get bigger bottles of it for more reasonable prices than delis etc.
Dried rose petals are more readily available in gourmet grocers, delis as well as Persian grocers. Pariya brand has a good range of products, that are also available in many stores and online.
In Australia crystallised rose petals have been very hard to find, however they are now sold via The Essential Ingredient and Petite Ingredient online!
Of course if you have access to fresh unsprayed rose petals you can make many of these ingredients at home. The recipes for how to make crystallised rose petals, rose syrup, dried rose petals (see recipe below also) and rose petal sugar can be found in my new eBook ‘Baking with Rose’.
Substitutes for Rose in Baking
I know not everyone loves the flavour of rose. If you are undecided or have had a bad experience with it in the past, I would definitely recommend making something with rose yourself at home. This way you can control how much rose is added to the dish and you can taste test along the way to ensure it suits your palate. Start with small quantities (even smaller than a recipe states) and work your way up until you are happy.
If you would prefer to use another flavour, lemon often works really well. Any recipe with a rose glaze icing (one made with icing sugar and a liquid like rosewater, like the one used in this Rose Cake) can easily be substituted with fresh lemon juice, or even water for a more simple icing. Rosewater or rose syrup used in cakes can often be substituted for vanilla extract or some citrus zest, or if you like violet or orange blossom they can often be good substitutes too.
To get started with baking with rosewater, I would recommend making these Cardamom and Rosewater Macaroons. Both the cardamom and rosewater quantities can be reduced, and the rosewater can be left out of the biscuit entirely. For a subtle hint, wet your hands with some rosewater before rolling the macaroons into balls rather than adding it to the main mixture.
The icing of this Rose Cake could be substituted for lemon juice
How to Dry Rose Petals at Home
Preheat oven to 80 degrees Celsius, and scatter rose petals on a baking tray. Try to ensure they aren't sitting on top of each other too much. Place in the oven and allow to dry for about 20 minutes, checking every 5 minutes or so. The petals will be done when their colour has darkened, they have shrivelled, and they are completely crunchy in texture. Store in an airtight container (preferably glass) away from direct sunlight. If stored correctly they should last for years.
