Sweeten your day with homemade rose jam

Rose jam is a delightfully delicate and floral treat to enjoy in the summer heat. This unique jam is great on bread, in yogurt, or as a topping for treats like ice cream. Learn why I am so obsessed with this decadent jam and what else I make with the edible flowers in the post below!

Table of Contents

You can find the petals for rose jam either directly from your garden or foraged out in nature. If you’re new to foraging, though, read my post for beginner foragers here!

A jar of rose jam with a fresh rose beside it

What is rose jam (or “rose jelly”)?

Rose jam is a sweet and fragrant spread made from fresh or dried rose petals (though I much prefer fresh). It has been a popular delicacy in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Turkish cuisines for centuries, and is now enjoyed around the world. Learn more about the traditional uses of rose in this journal article by Mohaddese Mahboubi.

Roses have been known to be used in all kinds of dishes, from savoury to sweet, including rose jam. The flavour is quite sweet but has a delicate floral touch, making it a delicious addition to many dishes. The traditional rose petal jam is called “Gulkand,” and is made from sundried petals.

Health benefits of rose jam

Rose petal jam has many purported health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants, which have been known to lower the risk of chronic diseases. Rose petals are also rich in Vitamin C, which is known to improve immune function, skin health, and reduce inflammation. Rose jam has also been reported to be a digestive aid, to aid in skin rejuvenation, and to improve memory function.

But, as I am no doctor, feel free to read these articles and make decisions about the validity of these health benefits for yourself! Gulkand Health Benefits & Disadvantages, by Dr. Jagdev Singh and Novel effects of Rosa damascena extract on memory and neurogenesis in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease by Esfandiary et al.

Plus, keep in mind, rose jam is often only enjoyed as a treat, not consumed consistently enough to see significant health benefits!

A large rose bush with vibrant pink blooms

How to make rose jam

To make rose jam, you will need fresh or dried rose petals, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Be sure that your roses are free from pesticides and other chemicals and that they are free from insects.

You will need:

2 cups fresh rose petals, washed and dried
- To measure them, very gently press them into a measuring cup (you don’t want to crush them)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup water

First, prepare the rose petals by removing any stems or leaves as these will make your jam bitter. Combine the petals with sugar, lemon juice, and water and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and the petals are translucent. You can then can the jam or store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Letting the petals sit in sugar overnight to increase flavor

While my quick jam turns out delicious enough, I’ve also had success drawing out more flavor from the petals by letting them sit in the sugar overnight in a sealed container.

A jar of fresh rose petals on a brown wooden table

Where to forage for rose petals

Roses are one of my favorite things to forage. Not only do they make beautiful decorations, but the petals and rose hips make for delicious foraged treats. I often forage them directly from the garden, but here in the Okanagan we are fortunate to have tons of wild roses growing in the backwoods too. I often find them growing near lakes, in forests, and in open areas/clearings.

Roses often bloom from May to August, making them a delicious summer treat. If you’re looking for rosebuds, those are best enjoyed just after the first frost.

Learn more about creating a forage garden in my post: What is a forage garden? Creating a garden that feeds you.

Uses for rose jam

Honestly, I sometimes sneak a spoonful of this jelly straight from the jar. It’s that decadent! But, here are some better uses for rose jam:

As a spread for bread and toast. Especially fresh sourdough…
As a topping for pancakes or waffles
In pastries and cakes. Use it as a filling in things like croissants, tarts, or to pair with vanilla or chocolate cakes. It’s also delicious with almond or pistachio flavors.
In tea or other beverages
As a flavoring for yogurt or ice cream

Where to buy rose jam

No time to forage rose petals and make the jam? You may be able to find it online from specialty food websites, specialty food stores, or at farmer’s markets (depending on the vendors). Since this is often used in Middle Eastern or Indian cuisine, I would suggest checking out specialty stores for those types of cuisine or asking for recommendations from the store staff.

A jar of rose petals with two jars of rose jam

Conclusion

In conclusion, rose jam is a delightful and versatile spread that adds a fragrant and unique flavor to a variety of dishes. From spreading on toast to using as a filling for cakes and pastries, rose jam offers a range of culinary possibilities. Moreover, its potential health benefits, including high antioxidant content and richness in vitamin C, make it a nutritious addition to your diet.

Whether purchased from specialty stores or made at home, rose jam is a delicious and beautiful way to add a touch of sweetness to your day.

Thank you for reading. ♡

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