Rose Petal Spoon Sweet - Klairi's Beloved Recipe

Rose petal spoon sweet, known as "glyko tou koutaliou triantafyllo" in Greece, is a beloved traditional preserve made from fresh rose petals. This sweet treat is often served as a symbol of hospitality, offered to guests alongside a glass of water or coffee. You may be familiar with it it if you've tried the delightful Citrus Rose Petal Spoon Sweet, which we absolutely adore. Now you can make it at home with this very special recipe from my dear friend Klairi. 

Rose petal spoon sweet is handmade only once a year, in June, with rose petals from the Greek Magiatiko variety grown on the Greek island of Chios. These roses are so fragrant that they are the natural choice to use in this special dessert. Although you can't find Magiatiko roses in the US you can try making this delicious treat using edible roses from your trusted supplier.

 Ingredients for the Rose Petal Spoon Sweet

• 7 oz (200 g) of fresh rose petals (you will need the petals of some additional 5 roses on the side!)
• 4 cups (1 liter) of water
• 2 1/4 cups (1 kg) of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or citric acid

How to make the Rose Petal Spoon Sweet

1. Prepare the Rose Petals: Start by cleaning the roses, removing the petals from the stems. Discard the stems, as they can wilt and affect the final product. You can sift the petals using a large sieve to remove any unwanted fragments from the flower. 

2. Wash the Petals: Rinse the petals gently under cold water to remove any dirt or small insects.

3. Cook the Petals: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, place the cleaned rose petals. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Allow the mixture to simmer until the water reduces significantly, which should take about 45 minutes.

4. Reserve Some Liquid: Set aside a small amount of the boiling water (about 1/2 cup) and mix with a small of amount of fresh petals (from 5 roses). Gently press the petals to let their color infuse into the water.

5. Add Sugar: Once the water has reduced, stir in the 2 1/4 cups of sugar. Stir and let it boil for an additional 5 minutes. 

6. Finish the Mixture: Strain the reserved water from step 4 and combine it with 1/2 teaspoon of citric acid (or lemon juice), then add this mixture to the pot. Stir well to incorporate. This will give the spoon sweet its vibrant color. 

Your Rose Spoon Sweet is now ready! Allow it to cool before transferring it to jars for storage. Enjoy it as a delightful treat, to top your desserts and ice cream and a great cheese board addition. You can also use it to make the Rose Jam Tarts from the blog.