From Shakespeare to great philosophers and poets, the rose has long been associated with love, and rightly so.
…While many in the U.S. associate roses with romance, few understand why the flower has such a profound effect on our hearts and minds. The answer lies not just in its beauty, but in its fragrance. The sweet scent of a rose is legendary, and for me, it’s a scent tied to love and memories. I personally cannot stand roses that lack fragrance, so I always seek out fragrant varieties, like hybrid tea roses.
In summer, my garden yields 10-15 bouquets of roses, which I dry to use in candles and potpourri. Did you know that rose jam is very common in India? While it’s often used with betel leaves, I remember my grandmother serving it to guests on special occasions. I would sneak a spoonful or two, and it tasted better than chocolate. At weddings, not only were roses and other fragrant flowers used in decorations, but they also made their way into food. My grandmother would order fresh rose petals, clean them, wash them, dry them, and store them in a linen bag to use in dishes like rice or desserts. It wasn’t a common practice in India, but it was her tradition, and I loved the aroma and beauty it added to the food.
With this fond memory in mind, I decided to bring you my hand-ground rose petals, sourced from India. Unlike the ultra-fine rose powders often sold in stores, I prefer a textured petal that retains its fragrance longer. I believe finely ground petals lose their scent much faster. Everything I create has a story—pure, organic, authentic, and sincere, just like the rose itself. I hope you enjoy using these rose petals to enhance your special occasions—sprinkle them on cakes, cookies, breads, or your favorite desserts. I hope you love them as much as I do.
Read more