Gulab, also spelled Gulaab, is rose water. The word itself is a Persian compound noun, combining "gul" (گل), meaning "flower" or "rose," and "āb" (آب), meaning "water." Therefore, gulab is quite literally water derived from roses.
How Gulab is Made
Gulab is created by steeping rose petals in water. This process, often followed by distillation, extracts the fragrant essence of the rose petals, creating a flavored water with a distinctive rose scent. Numerous videos online demonstrate the process, such as the one titled "Cooking Gulab From 30 Pounds of Roses" on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNWfXq0MYL8 Other methods exist, even showcasing unusual preparations as seen in videos like "Making Rose Water in the Village - Unusual Way To Prepare Gulab." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_MUSxCsTC8
Uses of Gulab
Rose water, or gulab, has diverse applications:
- Culinary: It's frequently used in desserts and drinks, adding a delicate floral aroma and flavor. A Reddit post shows an example of its use in Gulab jamun. https://www.reddit.com/r/food/comments/z584u3/homemade_gulab_jamun_with_rose_water/
- Cosmetics and Skincare: Its anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for soothing skin irritations. https://www.healthline.com/health/rose-water-benefits
- Perfumery: Its sweet fragrance makes it a popular ingredient in perfumes. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320216
Gulab is a versatile product derived from roses, prized for its fragrance and various uses in cooking, cosmetics, and perfumery.
