Introducing our Rose Petals Red Cut | Rosa gallica, a botanical ingredient celebrated for its exquisite aroma and flavor. Also known as the French Rose or Apothecary's Rose, Rosa gallica is one of the oldest cultivated rose species, with origins in central Europe and Persia. Its deep, fragrant blooms have been cherished since antiquity, used by the Greeks and Romans for medicinal purposes and later in medieval gardens.
Today, these vibrant petals are a key botanical for creating sophisticated beverages. Their distinctive, subtly sweet, and floral notes make them perfect for crafting gins and liqueurs. Renowned brands like Hendrick's Gin famously use rose petals and cucumber to achieve a unique, aromatic profile, while the Polish liqueur Lanique is celebrated for its rich, rose-forward taste.
Beyond distilled spirits, these rose petals infuse a delicate elegance into teas, creating a soothing and fragrant brew. The use of Rosa gallica in food and drink has a long-standing history, evolving from medicinal preparations to a treasured culinary ingredient that elevates both flavor and visual appeal. Our Red Cut petals offer a beautiful color and a potent, authentic rose essence, perfect for adding a touch of floral luxury to your food and beverage creations.
Flavour and Aroma Profile of Rosa gallica
The Rosa gallica species, particularly the "Red Cut" petals, offers a complex and desirable flavor profile for distilled beverages. Unlike some more delicate rose species, Rosa gallica provides a robust, "traditional rose" character. Its primary notes are intensely floral and sweet, often with a hint of spicy, clove-like undertones due to the presence of compounds like eugenol. This spiciness adds depth and complexity, preventing the flavor from becoming overly perfumey or cloying. The aroma is equally powerful and rich, reminiscent of a classic red rose in full bloom.
Uses in Distilled Beverages
Craft distillers use Rosa gallica to add a distinct floral element that can stand up to the other strong botanicals in spirits, particularly gin. It works as a complementary botanical, softening and balancing the juniper-forward profile. It also imparts a subtle sweetness and a beautiful, often deep pink or reddish hue to the finished product. In liqueurs, the rose flavor can be the star of the show, creating a luxurious, single-botanical spirit.
Preparation and Extraction Methods for Craft Distillers
There are several methods for extracting the essence of Rosa gallica petals, each with its own advantages for a craft distiller:
1. Vapor Infusion (Distillation): This is a preferred method for gin. The rose petals are placed in a botanical basket in the still, and alcohol vapor is passed through them. The heat from the steam and vapor extracts the volatile aromatic compounds, which then condense with the spirit. This method yields a clear, highly aromatic spirit that is less likely to pick up a bitter or tannic flavor from the petals, as the material is never submerged in liquid. The flavor is a pure expression of the rose's essence.
2. Maceration (Cold Infusion): For a more direct and often richer color and flavor, distillers can macerate the petals. The petals are submerged directly in the neutral spirit (e.g., vodka) for a period of time—from a few hours to several days—at room temperature. The alcohol acts as a solvent, pulling out the flavor compounds as well as the vibrant red pigments. This method results in a product with a more pronounced color and a flavor that is often described as "warmer" and more rounded. The distiller must be careful not to over-extract, as this can lead to a bitter taste. The infused spirit can then be filtered and blended.
3. Combination Method: A common practice is to combine both methods. A distiller might vapor infuse the primary botanicals (like juniper, coriander, and citrus) to create a clear, base spirit, and then separately macerate the rose petals in a small amount of that finished spirit. This rose "tincture" can then be blended back into the main batch, allowing for precise control over the final colour and flavor intensity without risking over-extraction during the main distillation run.
Preparation Tips:
Gently crushing or tearing the petals before adding them to the still or maceration jar increases the surface area, leading to more efficient extraction. Freezing the petals can also help break down the cell walls, further improving extraction.
Form:
- Rose Petals Red Cut
Pack Sizes:
- 100g
- 1 Kg (SAVE 41% OFF 100g Price)
- 5 Kg (SAVE 16% OFF 1Kg Price)
- 15 Kg (SAVE 28% OFF 1Kg Price)
Botanical Name: Rosa gallica
Country of Origin: Pakistan