Tag: Rose jam

Over 150 species of roses exist, and all have edible petals, but only those grown without pesticides should be used for consumption. So, can you eat rose jam? The short answer is yes, as long as you source the petals safely.

Derived from the Persian words for 'rose' and 'sweet,' the name 'gulkand' is an immediate clue to its core ingredients. This traditional rose petal preserve is indeed made with sugar, though the specific sweetener and preparation method distinguish authentic, healthful varieties from commercial alternatives.

Originating in ancient Indo-Persia around 900 B.C., traditional rose petal jam, or Gulkand, was primarily valued for its medicinal properties as a digestive aid and body coolant. Today, however, its health profile is a complex mix of beneficial rose compounds and a significant amount of sugar.