The wild rose or the dog rose blooms are simply underrated. In the UK, they line our roadsides and when they all bloom together light up our roads with deep pink to almost white flowers. I know what you are thinking, he is getting a little to in touch with his feminine side on this one, but let me stop you. As a hungry cook certain ingredients excite me and this was one. I dare any cook to put his or her nose into a bowl of wild rose petals and not be excited about the possibilities of cooking with this ingredient. Although one litre sounds like a lot of petals it isn’t. I got 4 jars worth out of this mix.
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Wild Rose Petal Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
1litre of Wild Rose Petals (Fill the jug and press them down)
500g Jam Sugar (with added Pectin)
Juice of a Lemon
500ml Water
Optional (a few drops of rose water)
Put the sugar, lemon juice and water into a pan and heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add the rose petals (and rose water if you are using) and heat gently, stirring frequently for about 25 minutes. Now bring to a rolling boil until the jam reaches setting point. That’s 104.5 degrees Celsius on a jam thermometer. Now although that sounds simple, some of you won’t have a jam thermometer so let me tell you about a couple of tricks. When your slow cooking is done heat the Jam up to a rolling boil – the definition of a rolling boil is that the bubbles are intensely bubbling and you can’t stir (or break them) back into the jam they are permanent on the top of the Jam, until this point is reached you haven’t got Rose Petal Jam.
The next test is when you think you have jam place a small amount onto a cold plate and allow to cool for a few seconds. When you are sure you won’t burn yourself run your finger across the plate and through the Jam. The Jam should separate and crease as your finger runs through it, if this is achieved you are ready to place it in your jars! Ensure you have sterilised, warm jars to pot the jam into. Place a wax top on the jam, seal the jars and that’s it done.
Listen, the first time I did this I hadn’t ran those now engrained jammy tests and the mix had not set the next day. All you have to do if this happens is pour the Jam back into a saucepan (making sure you removed that little wax skin first) and reheat to that rolling boil point and repeat the two checks.
Wild Rose Petal Jam Uses
Rose petal jam or jelly is a versatile and delicious preserve that can be used in various ways. Here are some yummy uses for rose petal jam:
Spread: The most common use for rose petal jam is as a spread on toast, bagels, croissants, or scones. Its unique floral flavor adds a delightful twist to your breakfast or afternoon tea.
Desserts: Incorporate rose petal jam into your desserts for a floral twist. You can use it as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, or tarts. It pairs well with vanilla or chocolate-based desserts. Try adding a dollop of rose petal jam to your ice cream or yogurt for a fragrant and sweet topping.
Pastries: Use rose petal jam as a filling for pastries such as turnovers, Danishes, or sweet rolls. Its unique flavor will add an element of surprise to your baked goods.
Tea or beverage sweetener: Add a teaspoon of rose petal jam to your cup of hot tea or herbal infusion for a floral and aromatic twist. It can also be used as a sweetener for lemonade or cocktails.
Salad dressing: Yes, you heard me. Combine rose petal jam with olive oil, vinegar, and some herbs to create a unique and flavorful salad dressing. Drizzle it over a green salad or use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables.
Cheese pairing: Serve rose petal jam alongside a cheese platter. Its sweet and floral taste complements a variety of cheeses, such as creamy brie or tangy goat cheese.
Marinade or glaze: Use rose petal jam as a base for marinades or glazes for meats, such as chicken or pork. The sweet and floral notes will add a unique flavour profile to your dishes.
Gifting: Rose petal jam makes a lovely homemade gift. Jar it up and decorate the jars with ribbons or labels. It's a thoughtful and unique present for special occasions or as a token of appreciation.
Summing up
Technique aside this is an amazing jam, the perfumed sweet flavours, the soft pink petals set in the rose pink jelly are simply amazing. A serious gift or a selfish indulgence, my mind is drifting to a time in winter – January to be exact, when the last memories of summer foods have gone and the greenest spring vegetables are still far away. Opening one of those pink pearlescent jars and creating an indulgent rich Rose Petal Jam Roly Poly, you with me?? I am going to do it, so get out there and make the jam! I am looking forward to January already!
Learn more about Jam making with this great selection of Preserving Books.