Rosewater pairings
What to marry rosewater with in cooking, pastry-making, ice-cream-making or chocolate-making?
Imagining an alliance with an ingredient often seems complex. The use of flowers in cooking and patisserie, though centuries old, can seem both divisive and risky. But there are a few unstoppable methods to avoid making a mistake. NOROHY reveals some of them in this article.
Different types of culinary alliances or pairings with rosewater
Let’s start by agreeing on what a rosewater alliance, also known as a pairing, is. It’s a question of determining with which other ingredients this floral water can be associated. However, not all pairings are created equal. Some pairings are harmonious, meaning that no single ingredient takes precedence over another. They create a perfect alchemy. This is often the most complex pairing to establish. Other alliances are based on contrast. Here, rosewater is used to enhance another dish, or, conversely,rosewater takes center stage.
Several techniques for pairing with rosewater
There are several known techniques for creating a rosewater alliance. Two of these are based on the organoleptic qualities of the ingredient to be combined. It is therefore important to describe all aspects of rosewater. For example, NOROHY’s organic Bulgarian rosewater is characterized by notes of fresh, slightly zesty Damask roses. Delicate and pleasantly flowery, this water brings a gentle acidity to the finish that prolongs its fragrance. Depending on the cooking time and temperature, these notes become more pronounced or less so. This description offers us two pariring techniques: alliance by harmony or by contrast.
Harmony with rose water
For a harmonious alliance, we combine rosewater with ingredients with the same organoleptic profile. Raspberry and lychee, for example, are great classics. Their slight acidity reinforces that of rosewater, and their fragrance is pleasantly similar to that of Damask rose.
These alliances can be used for savoury dishes, sorbets, desserts or chocolate sweets.
Alliance with rosewater by contrast
For an alliance by contrast, we try to take the opposite approach to the organoleptic qualities of the chosen floral water. For example, a delicately zesty water can be paired with a sweet flavor such as a meringue or pavlova… Its floral fragrance can be contrasted with fruity notes, or its fresh notes with more coumarin-like ones. Honey, spices and dried fruit are perfect for this purpose. The fluidity of rosewater can also be contrasted with the fat of a fresh cheese such as Mozzarella, whether on a savory dish or in a gourmet dessert. Or imagine the aroma of rose on the fat of coconut milk for the tastiest ice cream…
Alliance with rosewater by terroir and/or season
Alliances based on harmony and contrast are still the most popular. However, they should be combined with alliances based on terroir and/or season. After all, nature does things beautifully. Sometimes all you need to do is reproduce what you find in its natural state on your plate, and you’ll be in for a real taste treat. Try combining rosewater with other plants, fruits or dishes from the same region and/or season. Like a perfumer, think of other flowers that grow in the same area and in the same season to create a gourmet bouquet with a natural alchemy. Think of the aromatic plants that surround Damask roses, or the fruits of early summer that are just waiting to be combined with the delicacy of the rose…
You now have four ways to imagine your own rosewater alliances. Depending on your inspiration, opt for a harmonious alliance, a contrasting pairing or an alliance by terroir or season. These different options can of course be combined to diversify your palette and surprise the taste buds of those lucky enough to sample your creations.NOROHY organic rosewater is available in two formats to suit your needs: 225ml or 750ml! It’s also available to private customers here! Likewise, discoverNOROHY Organic Orange Blossom Water from Tunisia to enhance your recipes.