Rose-craft Workshop - Rose-scented oil .. AT MY ROSE GARDEN

Sometimes it is just lovely to make something luxurious from simple ingredients.  Rose-scented oil is one of those time-less luxuries that you can make in your home kitchen, and it is easy and fun to do.  There are only two simple ingredients; you will need  a good quality food grade oil, such as virgin olive oil, and  roses you know are free from nasty sprays.  This lovely infused oil can be used in cooking as well as in home-made cosmetics and toiletries.  

What you will need:

A good quality base oil (to infuse with fresh organic rose petals).  (We use Australian grown and pressed quality olive oil, such as Red Island or Cobram Estate.  Or you may prefer to use almond oil if making small quantities.)

Fresh non-sprayed rose petals (make sure they have not been sprayed with pesticides or fungicides).

Clean, sterilised wide-mouth glass jars with screw top lids.

A wooden skewer.

To make:

Pick several of your most fragrant roses, making sure they are free from toxic sprays.  It is best to pick your roses in the morning before they have been exposed to the full sun.  This will ensure they retain as much fragrance as possible.  Rinse picked roses quickly under cool running water and shake to dry. 

Pluck the petals from your roses to give at least one cup of fresh rose petals when well packed. 

Take your clean glass jar and pack a layer of fresh rose petals in the bottom.

Add enough oil to cover the rose petal layer.  Now add another layer of rose petals and cover with the oil.   Repeat until you have filled the jar.  This method minimises air locks and ensures each layer of petals is well covered with oil. When the jar is filled to the top with rose petals and oil, ensure the rose petals are completely covered with oil.  Push any exposed petals down below the oil with the wooden skewer.  Seal jar tightly with screw top lid.

Now place your jar near a kitchen window where it will be warm but not hot.  Do not place your jar of rose-scented oil in direct sunlight.  The warmth from your kitchen will allow the rose oils to slowly infuse your base oil with a lovely rose fragrance.  Leave the jar for 2 weeks before opening.  

To finish:

Strain the oil to remove the rose petals.  Discard the petals.  Your rose oil will smell beautifully of fresh roses.   (For a stronger fragrance, repeat the infusion process with fresh rose petals.)

Pour your rose-infused oil into another clean glass jar or decanter and store in a dark cupboard. 

Your rose-scented oil is now ready to use in home-made toiletries and cosmetics or simply as a moisturiser before you shower.  

You can also use this oil in the kitchen in numerous recipes.  Use as a dressing over fresh summer salads and in vinaigrette and mayonnaise, as well as in cakes, pies and biscuits.  

There's almost no limit to the uses for this luxurious rose-scented oil!