Rose petal jam is made from edible rose petals (usually damask or similar) cooked with sugar and lemon. It is a delicate, floral preserve, often served at special occasions and with tea.
What is Rose Petal Jam?
Rose petal jam (gül mürəbbəsi) is made from edible rose petals usually fragrant varieties like damask rose cooked with sugar, lemon juice, and a little water until the petals soften and the syrup thickens. The result is a fragrant, pink or red preserve with a distinct floral taste. It is a luxury jam in Azerbaijan and is often served at weddings and on the Novruz table.
How do you eat Rose Petal Jam?
Eat a small spoonful with tea the floral flavour goes well with strong black tea. It is also good with white cheese or on bread. Because it is strong and fragrant, a little is enough. It is often offered to guests as a sign of special hospitality.
Which roses are used to make this jam?
Edible, fragrant roses are used typically damask rose (Rosa × damascena) or similar varieties grown for scent and food. The petals must be untreated (no pesticides). In Azerbaijan, local rose varieties are used; the petals are picked when fresh and often trimmed of the white, bitter base.
The "Qızılgül" Season
In Azerbaijan, you cannot make this jam from just any garden rose. It is strictly made from "Qızılgül" (literally "Golden Rose"), which is the local name for the highly fragrant Damask rose. The harvesting window is incredibly short, usually just a couple of weeks in May. The petals must be picked early in the morning while the dew is still on them, as this is when their essential oils and fragrance are at their absolute peak.
The Hand-Rubbing Technique
To extract the maximum amount of flavor and color without overcooking the delicate petals, cooks use a gentle manual technique. The fresh pink petals are placed in a wide bowl, sprinkled with a little sugar and a few drops of lemon juice, and then gently massaged and rubbed by hand. The lemon juice reacts with the natural pigments in the petals, instantly turning the mixture a brilliant, vibrant magenta color before it even touches the stove.
