[ Story of Fragrance ] [ Story of the Rose ] [ Story of the Camellia ] [ Fragrant Flowers of the East ]

Enjoy the taste of roses Yu-giri

Fragrant, blooming roses are not only pleasing to the eyes, but highly palatable as well. Have a taste of lovely roses, just like Cleopatra did at her table.

1.

Rose Liquor Such fragrant roses as "Oklahoma", "Papa Meilland" and "Charles Mallerin" are best suited for liquor because they have a deep, exuberant aroma typical of Damask roses. Several different species can be combined to produce a tasty aromatic liquor. Ingredients: 1.8 liter white liquor (35°), 50-100g crystal sugar, 120-150g rose petals

Directions:

	1)	On a sunny day, pull a handful of rose petals (enjoy the bloom first and use the ones past full bloom), off the stem and place them in a wide-mouthed jar.
	2)	Fill the jar with crystal sugar and white liquor, tightly close the lid and store in a cool dark place for about 30 days. The liquor can be served with ice or soda. A slice of lemon will bring back bright color to the darkened petals.

2.	Rose jam A fragrant, pleasantly sour jam of smooth texture. Ingredients: 100g rose petals, 150-200g sugar, 1 and a half lemon, 100 cc water

Directions:

	1)	Cut off the pale base of the petals using scissors.
	2)	Wash the petals and wring well. Sprinkle lemon juice (1 lemon) and knead well.
	3)	Mix 100 cc water and sugar in a saucepan to make a syrup.
	4)	Add the kneaded rose petals into the saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove pan from fire, pour in the remaining lemon juice (half a lemon) and stir well.
	5)	Leave to sit for two hours and simmer again.

(Recipes from "Engei Tsushin", Sakata no Tane Publishing, 1988)

These fragrant delicacies will add a rosy mood to your afternoon tea time.