120 Spice Profiles
The rose was first cultivated about
5,000 years ago by the ancient
civilizations of China, who prized the
flower for its beauty, perfume, and
healing properties. The Romans grew
roses extensively and documented
their medicinal uses, including (when
worn as a floral crown) protection
from hangovers. In the 7th century ce
cultivation of roses spread throughout
the Middle East. Around this time the
Persians discovered how to extract oil
from the flower, and its culinary use
became more widespread. By the
Middle Ages, roses were used at
medieval banquets to perfume water
for hand washing, and to flavour
savoury and sweet dishes. During the
Crusades, the highly scented damask
rose, the main source of rose oil,
reached northern Europe. In Victorian
England, rose-petal sandwiches were
considered a refined teatime treat.Region of cultivation
The rose is native to temperate regions of the
northern hemisphere, probably originating in
China; the damask rose is native to the Middle
East. It is cultivated in Turkey, India, Iran,
Bulgaria, and Morocco.The plant
The damask rose is a hardy
flowering shrub and the main
source of rose flavouring used
in cooking, although Rosa
rugosa is popular in China,
Japan, and Korea.Petals and buds
These are available dry for use as a
spice, or crystallized for decorating
cakes and desserts.BOTANICAL NAME
Rosa x damascena
(most commonly used species)ALSO KNOWN AS
Damask rose.MAJOR FLAVOUR COMPOUND
Geraniol.PARTS USED
Dried buds or petals.METHOD OF CULTIVATION
Buds and flower heads are harvested by
hand. For petals, they are picked before or
at sunrise on the first day in full bloom.COMMERCIAL PREPARATION
Buds and petals are dried to sell as a spice,
or distilled to produce rose oil.NON-CULINARY USES
In perfumery and cosmetics; in traditional
herbal medicine as an antidepressant and
antiseptic, and to treat anxiety.IRAN
BULGARIA
TURKEY
INDIA
ROSE
Floral | Musky | Sweet
BudsPetalsSpice story
A bush can be
productive for
up to 40 years120-121_Rose.indd 120 13/07/2018 11:42