How to Make Orange Blossom Water (or rosewater)
Right after lunch, my daughter and I set out to pick orange blossoms outside just like my mother and I once did together. I climbed on two stacked bricks to reach the branches; Maya held a glass to collect whatever blossoms I managed to get. It was risky business. I endured a few thorn scratches and competition from the bees buzzing all around us claiming territory. Mind you, these are wild bitter orange trees we’re dealing with and though fair looking and heavily pregnant with budding flowers and plump oranges, they’re no easy feat to flirt with. My little helper and I headed back home proud of our work, triumphant over danger, our glass filled to the brim with beautiful flowers, our hands sweet-smelling.
What a ritual was it to collect our own blossoms. One that fills the heart with joy and envelops you in the moment making you forget about everything else. This is the stuff that memories are built around. Our satisfaction continued as we made tea with a small handful of blossoms and transformed the rest into orange blossom water. It’s one of those pleasures such as making pasta or butter that though may seem unnecessary can be the source of so much joy.
Distilling Orange Blossom Water Using a Coffee Machine (or espresso machine)
Yields 1 cup
-1 cup freshly picked organic orange blossoms or rose petals, washed
-1 cup distilled water
Place a filter in the basket of a coffee maker and add orange blossoms.
Fill the reservoir with water.
Place the carafe in the machine.
Turn on the machine.
The water will heat up and stream through the orange blossoms and into the carafe. When it’s done brewing, remove the carafe.
Repeat the operation two or three times reusing the brewed orange blossom water for a more concentrated scent.
You may use an espresso machine if you wish, following manufacturer’s directions for use and placing orange blossoms where the coffee goes.
Place the orange blossom water in a clean jar with a lid and store in a dry, cool pantry.
P.S. Be sure to run the machine on water a couple of times before starting to get rid of the coffee odor.
Recipes with orange blossom water:
Makrout: Date and Semolina Bars
Rhubarb Smoothie with Floral Notes
rss feed
email
twitter
facebook
pinterest
Susan — 04/05/2011 @ 11:21 am
I am so glad you posted how to make these waters. I was going to ask you about it and then forgot. Right now our roses are blooming so nicely. Guess what I am going to do today? I might have to steal some orange blossoms from my neighbors as I do not have any in my yard….hmmmm
Happee Monkee — 04/05/2011 @ 11:33 am
Oh wow, sounds so easy and doable. Thanks for sharing :)
Juanita — 04/05/2011 @ 11:41 am
What a lovely post with beautiful photos and sentiments. It has never occurred to me to make my OWN rose or orange blossom water, and yet it seems the prudent thing to do given that these items are quite pricey and sometimes difficult to locate. Thanks for the recipe and method!
Dawn — 04/05/2011 @ 12:07 pm
I love this idea. What gorgeous photos!
Nanette — 04/05/2011 @ 1:14 pm
You've inspired me!
Sara{OneTribeGourmet} — 04/05/2011 @ 1:40 pm
Brilliant post! I LOVE orange blossom water and did not know that it can be easily made at home! Thanks for sharing this wonderful techinque & recipe, Nisrine! :)
Bryan — 04/05/2011 @ 7:52 pm
Cool, I love it. There is such a pleasure in making things like pasta, butter. This is a great process thanks.
pierre — 04/05/2011 @ 7:59 pm
tes photos invitent au voyage !!pierre
Fresh Local and Best — 04/06/2011 @ 4:20 am
This is brilliant! One of these days I'll return to the suburbs in California and with my organic garden will try out both orange blossom water and rose water.
Barbara — 04/06/2011 @ 3:15 pm
Brilliant, Nisrine. I can't wait to try it!
sandy axelrod — 04/06/2011 @ 7:20 pm
Your photos are amazing! This is something I will definitely try, thanks.
Christine — 04/07/2011 @ 8:56 pm
I hadn't heard of this method – thanks!
Dana — 04/08/2011 @ 3:17 am
What a nice story, I bet it feels very special to do things with your daughter that your mother used to do with you. I'm a little bit jealous you have orange trees around you to pick blossoms off of, I guess I'll just have to stick with rose water. Great method, though!
Magic of Spice — 04/08/2011 @ 10:26 pm
Wonderful post, I have done this with herbs but never blossoms…love it :)
Lucy — 04/10/2011 @ 9:25 pm
That's such a special experience to share with family – I wish orange blossom grew in London! So interesting to see how it's made.
Orly @yumivore — 04/12/2011 @ 4:32 am
It's magical, and the aroma is practically wafting through the air … beautiful.