Gulkand, a Sun-Kissed Rose Petal Preserve

Gulkand is a luxurious Indo-Persian Ayurvedic caramelized rose petal preserve. The literal meaning of gulkand is – gul= rose/flower and kand=sweet.
 
Gulkand is made with rose petals collected at their peak of freshness, and sun cooked with sugar slowly over the course of time. Traditionally, the Damascus Rose is used for Gulkand due to its intense fragrance favoured by perfumers, and sweetened with Misri, a type of rock sugar/candy. However, any old heirloom aromatic rose and sugar will suffice. I use a double petal Rosa Rugosa from my garden, and only organic sugars.  

The seasonal and time constrained nature of roses, coupled with the slow process of sun-cooking and curing method of Gulkand make it one of the most sought after delicacies. Typically made with only two ingredients, it is sublime, romantic, rich and authentic in its ‘rose experience.’
 
Although technically a jam, it would be inaccurate to compare it to a standard rose petal jam or confiture, however wonderfully delicious rose petal jam is. The method of making rose petal jam requires rapid boiling of a smaller percentage of rose petals to water and sugar typical in jam making. The outcome is a flavour that is subtle and flirtatious. The sun-kissed petals of Gulkand are massaged with sugar, and slowed cured in less intense heat over a long period of time, leisurely releasing a syrupy aroma, texture and taste that grabs at your heart with all its might. With a depth of concentrated fruity floral and caramelized richness, it surpasses the uni-dimensional flavour of rose petal jam/confiture, although the jam/confiture still have its rightful place at the table.

Gulkand’s aromatics make a delicate accompaniment to your meals, or as an ingredient in sweets, raita, lassi, salad dressings, yogurt or milkshakes.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Gulkand is known for its cooling and calming properties. In addition to this, it has a plethora of other wonderful benefits for your health and happiness.
 
The Health Benefits of Gulkand:
 
1. It is a body coolant and eases pitta dosha, according to Ayurvedic medicine.
 
Gulkand soothes excess pitta in the body, which causes heat, and thus keeps the body cool. It also relieves heat-related symptoms such as lethargy, rashes, aches and pain.
 
During the summer heat wave, consuming a teaspoon or two of gulkand can help you prevent various heat conditions such as migraines, sunstroke and helps control nose bleeding.

Note: Ayurvedic medicine is an Indian practice, and one of the oldest system of medicine in the world. It combines the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). A dosa is one of 3 substances that are present in a person's body. The theory is that good health exists when there is a balance between the 3 fundamental bodily bio-elements, or dosa, named Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. 
 
2. It’s good for the skin
 
Gulkand is a great blood purifier, and helps to remove toxins from the body. This can give you clear and glowing complexion and healthy skin, and also helps to prevent skin diseases like boils, blisters, acne, eczema, etc.
 
3. It is an excellent digestive tonic
 
Gulkand helps to improve appetite, and corrects digestive problems. Consuming 1 - 2 teaspoons of gulkand will help to reduce acidity and stomach heat. It also helps in treating ulcers and prevents swelling in the intestine. It is good for all those individuals who have water retention problems, as it helps in increasing your urine output.
 
4. It has a calming effect
 
As an adaptogen, it has a calming effect on the nervous system, thus helping us to reduce stress. It is also uplifting and rejuvenates when one is fatigued with its powerful antioxidant properties.
 
5. It is a love potion
 
Roses have always been related to love, romance and the heart. As an aphrodisiac, it acts as a fragrance by reducing body odour when the elixir is consumed regularly. As an aromatherapy, its intoxicating scent uplifts the spirit, and massages the heart.

Note:
 
Since it contains sugar, those with diabetes should consult their doctor before consuming Gulkand.
 
Do not use fresh roses from a florist. They would most certainly have been sprayed with chemicals and are not as aromatic as heirloom varieties. Please do not pick roses from roadsides if you are uncertain of herbicide spray usage and vehicle toxins.
 
Harvest roses in the early morning after the dew dries, and before the hot sun hits. In my garden, that would be usually around 8-10 am.
 
Misri is a unrefined rock sugar known for its health benefits. Misri is less sweet than processed cane sugar. Other rock sugars can be used, as well as coconut palm sugar, cane sugar, etc. If using rock sugars, bear in mind that they are not as sweet as other types of sugars.

Gulkand Recipe
 
Ingredients

Rose petals, washed and dried
Sugar (Misri, or any kind of rock candy/sugar, coconut/palm sugar, cane sugar)
Optional: Cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, etc to taste.
Clean glass jar with a tight fitting lid
 
Method

1. Collect fresh rose petals, preferably in the morning after the dew. Wash and dry the petals.
2. Measure by WEIGHT equal amounts of sugar and rose petals.
3. Add a layer of rose petals
4. Sprinkle a layer of sugar. Bruising the petals slightly.
5. Repeat till all rose petals and sugar are layered.
6. Secure the lid and keep it out in full sunlight.
7. Stir the Gulkand mixture everyday for 10 days to 2 weeks.
8. It will have turned a deep rich reddish brown colour (depending on the colour of your roses).
9. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.
10. It is good for a year or longer. Keep it clean using a clean spoon every time you dip into it to avoid contamination which can result in spoilage. ​

Gaia nurtures us with Arogya (holistic health), peace, and happiness. Arogya is a Sanskrit word which means Health of the Body, Mind, and Spirit.