You can use any rose for rose water, although fragrant, pesticide-free varieties are generally preferred for the best results and safety.
Choosing the Right Roses for Rose Water
While the base answer is that any rose can be used to make rose water, the quality and characteristics of the final product depend heavily on the specific roses chosen. According to one source, "You can use any rose for rose water". However, the same source notes that many cultivated varieties prioritize visual appeal over scent, mentioning that "many cultivated roses that look beautiful and bloom prolifically are not very fragrant."
Therefore, while possible with any rose, using varieties known for their strong fragrance will result in rose water with a more pronounced and traditional rose scent.
Key Considerations for Making Rose Water
When selecting roses for making rose water, beyond just the type, two critical factors should guide your choice:
- Fragrance: For aromatic rose water, highly fragrant roses are ideal. While not strictly necessary (as any rose can be used), the lack of scent in many modern cultivars means their rose water might lack the expected aroma. Older, traditional varieties are often preferred for their potent perfume.
- Pesticide-Free: It is absolutely essential to use roses that have not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. As the reference states, "you want to be sure the roses you use have not been treated with pesticides." Pesticides can contaminate the rose water, making it unsafe for use, especially in cosmetics or consumption. Always use organic roses or roses grown in a known, chemical-free environment.
An Example: The Ragusa Rose
The provided reference specifically mentions a rose they have used for their rose water:
- Ragusa Rose: The author of the referenced content states, "For my rose water, I have used Ragusa Rose." This serves as a practical example of a rose type successfully used for this purpose.
In summary, while the freedom exists to use any rose, prioritizing fragrant, organically grown varieties ensures a safe and delightfully scented rose water.
