Ottar of Roses

Ingredients

• Freshly-gathered roses
• Pure water

Directions

1. Put freshly-gathered roses into a still with their flower cups intact.

2. Add ⅓ part of the weight in pure water.

3. Mix the mass by hand and kindle a gentle fire beneath the still.

4. As the water heats, ensure all interstices are well sealed and place cold water on the top refrigeratory.

5. When the water begins to distill, gradually reduce the heat until a sufficient quantity of the first distillate is collected.

6. Add an equal weight of water to the flowers or three times that amount, rekindle the fire, and repeat the distillation process for the second distillate.

7. Pour the distilled water into shallow earthen or tin vessels and expose to air until the next morning.

8. Skim off the congealed essence and pour it into phials, straining the water from the lees for fresh distillation.

9. Preserve the dregs, which still contain fragrance.