Rose Water Series: Rose Water In Iran

Rose Water Series: Rose Water In Iran

Its rose water is special. It is used to wash the Kaba, the holy site in Mecca. That rose, is Iranian rose water, from the small village of Qamsar. About 200 km from Isfahan lies a small village that, for centuries, has set the standard for cultivating the highest quality rose water in the world. Although the Middle East, Turkey and Bulgaria have big reputations for their rose water, the flowers of Qamsar, nicknamed the Mohammadi Rose is still the most sought after in the world!
roses in Iran

Rose water is a big part of Iranian culture much like it is in the Middle East, Turkey, Eastern Europe, India and Pakistan. In fact every year, you can witness the month-long Golab Giri ceremony in May and June. The ceremonies take place in many of the villages and towns in and around Qamsar and Kashan, like Niasar. It is then that people gather to collect roses that have grown to prepare them for the distillation process. 

In many of these villages and towns in Iran, the tradition of rose water runs deep within the families that cultivate it. Many of the families who work in rose water production today are carrying on a trade their family has mastered for many generations before. It’s not just the production of rose water that has been transferred down from one generation to the next; it’s also the consumption of it in every aspect of life. 

Iran’s cuisine is rich with herbs and spices such as saffron, sumac, sabzi and much more that are used on a near daily basis. Rose water is no exception. You can find rose water used in baklava, ice cream, nougat, jam, tea and even coffee. Rose water is also used as a perfume and a treatment against skin ailments such as burns, rashes and skin irritation. Studies have also shown that it helps relieve headaches and sinuses. 
rose distillation

So why is the Iranian rose water so special, and what makes it the most desired rose water in the world? A study by Tehran University showed that the geographical area and climate where the roses are grown create certain conditions to allow for the roses to have greater concentration. In addition to this, the distillation process is slightly different from the typical way practiced around the world. The more common practice involves heating rose petals with regular water. However in Qamsar and other villages, they use what is known as the double-fired rose water method. This means instead of using regular water, they will put the petals in already-made rose water and heat it all together again. This allows for the rose water to have a much greater concentration thereby increasing its quality and potency. 
field of roses
Even though Iran is the largest producer of rose water in the world, it is also one of the largest consumers. Iran produces tens of thousands of tons every year, the vast majority of it in the Kashan and Isfahan Provinces where Qamsar and Naisar are located. 

If you’re interested in trying out rose water, visit us today to order your bottle!

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