Here’s a rose water trick to turn basic freezer jam into something fabulous.
By Maya Parson
Every cook has a few tricks in her apron pocket. Here is one of mine: a bottle of ROSE WATER. (No, it’s not just a beauty product—or “old lady perfume,” as a friend teased when I put it in his cocktail.) Rose water is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking, but is also popular in Indian, Malaysian, and European sweets. It tastes a lot like roses smell—lemony, sweet and lush. The flavor adds complexity and a bit of sophistication to almost any dessert or drink.
If you don’t have a bottle in your fridge, go to your local health food or Middle Eastern market and pick one up. You won’t regret it. (I prefer to get the certified pesticide-free rose water, but just make sure you buy one for cooking or eating purposes.)
I like a dash of rose water in a simple cocktail of lemonade, raspberries and gin. You might also consider homemade rose water ice cream or rose water marshmallows, rice pudding or lassi. Or toss some fresh peaches, mango or melon and berries with some rose water and sugar and delight and surprise your guests.
This blackberry rose jam turns basic freezer jam into something fabulous. The rose water complements the bright, floral flavor of the berries (at their peak now in many farmers markets). It’s easy, quick and tastes amazing. Serve it on buttery toast, popovers, scones, or just lick it straight off the spoon.
PrintBlackberry Rose Jam
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approx. seven 1/2 pint (250 ml) jars
Description
Here’s a rose water trick to turn basic freezer jam into something fabulous.
Ingredients
- 8 cups (880 grams) of whole blackberries – the juicier the better!
- 3 cups (575 grams) of white sugar
- 1 box pectin—I like the Sure Jell one made for less or no sugar recipes (1.75 ounces or 49 grams)
- Rose water, 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 grams) to taste
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Crush the berries. You will need 4 cups (just less than 1 liter) crushed fruit.
- Mix the pectin and sugar in a large heavy pot.
- Add one cup (236 ml) water to the pectin and sugar and stir to dissolve any lumps.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for one minute.
- Add crushed fruit and mix well.
- Add rose water, starting with just 1 teaspoon (5 grams) and adding more to taste.
- Add a small pinch of salt.
- Put into clean containers (I use ½ pint or 236 ml glass canning jars), leaving about ½ inch (12.7 mm) of space at the top because the jam will expand as it freezes.
- Let stand at room temperature 24 hours and then freeze. Defrost in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
A complete rose gardeners guide. Growing roses to be proud of by helping you cultivate a rose garden by planting, pruning and protecting your rose bushes, making hip tea or petal jam and more.We all enjoy their subtle colors and soft petals. We love their fragrance and we love to receive them as a gift…especially a romantic one!
The reality is, that this stunning flower we love, not only brings such pleasure to all of us, but is also an amazing source of by-products waiting to be enjoyed.