Attar of Roses is the scent derived from damask roses which is obtained by crushing and distilling the petals of the flowers. Attar of roses is a component of many different beauty products, including rosewater.
Attar of roses available commercially as rose otto essential oil is made using a copper still. The scent of the roses during the distilling process is heavenly. If you do not have a small still to distill the essence, this recipe can be used as a substitute.
Damask roses are the rose of choice to make attar of roses. Grown wild in the Eastern Mediterranean region, they are a common garden rose that are light red in color and have a rich floral scent. A dozen roses will usually produce four cups of petals.
Damask roses not available in your area? Substitute freshly picked, organically grown roses from the garden or ask your local florist to give you a call when they receive some organically grown roses.
Assemble your supplies:
- Four cups of fresh rose petals (preferably damask).
- Cooking salt such as kosher, sea or rock. – available in the cooking section of any grocery store.
- A small, oblong glass pan with a tightly fitting lid. A ceramic crock pot could also be used.
These two items you will need at the end:
- A wide mouth clean glass jar and cheesecloth or cotton gauze for straining.
- Cobalt or brown colored glass bottle with stopper in which to store your finished product.
Let's Get Started!
- Prepare a cleansing wash of two tablespoons of kosher, sea or rock salt completely dissolved in a pint of distilled water. Add your petals to this cleansing mixture and gently wash your materials. Repeat if you are not sure your petals are completely clean.
- Drain the salt water and use the cotton towel or paper towels to carefully and gently dry your petals. Try to make sure the petals are not wet to the touch without excessive handling.
- Spread a layer of petals in your glass container. Cover this layer with a layer of salt. Shake the salt on the rose petals until there is a thin, even layer over the petals.
- Repeat these procedures until all petals have been used and end with a layer of salt.
- Tightly cover your container and place in a cool, dark spot for about four weeks.
After four weeks:
- Drape the cheesecloth or cotton gauze over the mouth of the glass jar to form a strainer. Hold in place with either your hand or use a rubber band.
- Spoon or pour the rose petal mixture into the jar using the strainer to collect the rose petals.
- Squeeze the cheesecloth or gauze to remove all the liquid.
- Discard the rose petals.
- Pour the liquid into the amber or cobalt blue bottle with stopper.
You have now made the preserved version of attar of roses. It should remain fresh for about two months if kept in a colored bottle in a cool, dry place
Sources:
- Dodt, Colleen K. The Essentail Oils Book. Storey Books, 1996
- David Potterton, Editor. Culpepper's Color Herbal. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 2002
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