Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Back to topics

Apothecary rose (Rosa gallica)

This is one of the earliest cultivated species of rose, probably introduced to this country by the Romans. Of course, it looks and smells beautiful, but there is much more to it than that. When in flower, the blooms need to be picked on a daily basis. But always remember to remove the white 'heel' of the rose petal - it is bitter. The simplest culinary use would be to sprinkle petals over a 'salat' - a lovely touch easy to replicate today. We also use the chopped petals to flavour our hand churned butter during dairying demonstrations. Rose honey would be a special sweet treat (sugar was far too expensive at this point in time for ordinary people to make jams and jellies). Medicinally, the petals were used with honey to make a gentle medicine for childrens coughs and sore throats. Rosewater and rose vinegar would be made for the store cupboard. And the petals were used to make rosary beads.
Lesley Parker, Weald & Downland Open Air Museum