The wonderful thing about having heavily scented old fashioned roses is that they make very excellent rose petal jam, jelly and ice-cream syrup
This year our roses are newly planted – so the stems are still quite short for cut flowers – but we’re kind of liking that – it means we’ve been able to try more recipes and lets face it – in a world where nearly everything you buy from the shops tastes familiar – this delectable treat is something else!
The recipe is basically sugar, water, rose petals and lemons (including the pips which is where the pectin is so it won’t set without them). I poured hot water on my petals and let them simmer for 15 mins before pouring off the fluid. The petals look very mushy and a horrible colour now – as does the liquor – but simply add the juice and squeezed out pips of 3 lemons and – phew! colour returns all rosy pink!
Then, its standard jam making techniques with sugar thermometers and waiting for setting point…. I have been known to miss the setting point which then means the jam takes ages to set if at all. This apparently isn’t the idea – but I think I must be learning fast as our jelly is now setting, wholly delicious and very thoroughly decontaminated from anything! We’re thinking about selling rose petal jelly as wedding favours in cute little personalised jars for £1.40 each + postage – let us know if you’d like something unique like this for your wedding!
