How Does Sunlight Impact on Rose Water Storage?

Types of Rose Water

• When buying rose water, you will come across two types: synthetic and pure. Pure rose water uses a distillation process that combines rose petals and water. When heated at high temperatures, the petals infuse the flavor and scent into the water. Synthetic rose water uses essential oils and chemicals that create the rose scent. Even health food stores sell synthetic rose water. Read the ingredients list and determine the type of rose water purchased.

Making Rose Water

• Make your own rose water by placing a brick in the bottom of a large stockpot. Scatter at least two quarts of rose petals around the brick and set a glass bowl on top of the brick. Add enough water that it covers the petals, and cover the pot with a lid. When you heat the mixture, the rose petals scent and flavor the water. The water creates steam, which hits the top of the pot and falls into the bowl, creating your rose water.

Proper Storage

• According to Aroma Web, essential oils break down and oxidize when they are improperly stored. Synthetic rose water is similar to an essential oil because it contains alcohol. Store the rose water in a dark glass bottle, which blocks out the sun. Natural sunlight increases the oxidization process, which dulls the scent and flavor of the water. If you make your own rose water, pour the water in small brown or dark blue bottles. Store the bottles in the refrigerator, which extends the life of the water. You can store clear glass bottles in the refrigerator, because the refrigerator blocks the natural light.

Considerations

• Do not keep store-bought rose water in plastic bottles. The chemicals and preservatives in the product eat through the plastic, especially if you store the bottles for long periods. Use only dark glass bottles for storage. Homemade rose water lasts for months, as long as you keep the bottles in a cool, dry and dark place. Store the bottles in a lower cabinet, if you do not have room in your refrigerator.