A byproduct in the manufacture of rose oil to make perfumes, rose water is a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine and skin care products. Traditional rose water comes from damask roses, grown predominantly in Iran and Bulgaria, but you may make your own version of rose water at home with any aromatic rose. Food grade rose water is available online and from gourmet food retailers.
Sweet Things
A favorite ingredient in sweet desserts from India, Iran and North Africa, the website, FoodSubs.com recommends using rose water as a substitute in recipes calling for orange flower water, rose syrup, rose essence, almond extract, vanilla extract or kewra water. Marzipan, a pliable almond confection, used to wrap cakes and to form edible figurines, originally included rose water, along with almonds and sugar. Orange segments or fresh strawberries, sprinkled with rose water, impart an exotic taste. Try adding five drops of rose water to rice pudding or sorbet. Rose water used in desserts must be food-grade.
Soother
According to RoseMagazine.com, rose water is a soothing treatment for irritated skin and for eye infections. The light sweet aroma of roses may also sooth the nerves and reduce anxiety, according to Rose Magazine. Clinical studies confirming these health benefits are lacking.
Skin Toner
Rose water may have astringent properties, making it beneficial as an ingredient in facial toners, according to Rose Magazine. Apply to freshly washed skin with a cotton ball, or spray on lightly, avoiding the eyes. Allow the rose water to air dry before applying moisturizing cream or makeup.
Rose Magazine warns rose water buyers to read the ingredient labels on cosmetic-quality rose water formulations carefully to avoid synthetic imitations that do not possess the same properties as real rose water.
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