Gulkand (also written gulqand or gulkhand) is a sweet preserve of rose petals originating in the Indian subcontinent.[1] The term is derived from Persian; gul (rose) and qand (sugar/sweet).[2][3]

Gulkand
A plate of gulkand
Alternative namesRose petal jam
Region or stateIndian subcontinent
Serving temperatureRoom temperature
Main ingredientsRose petals, sugar
A package of gulkand

Preparation

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Traditionally, gulkand has been prepared with Damask roses.[4] Other common types of roses used include China rose, French rose, and Cabbage rose.[4] It is prepared using special pink rose petals and is mixed with sugar. Rose petals are slow-cooked with sugar, which reduces the juices into a thick consistency.[5]

 
Rose petals being prepared for gulkand

Uses in holistic medicine

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Gulkand is used in the Unani system of medicine as a cooling tonic.[6] It is also used in Ayurvedic and Persian medicine to help with bodily imbalances.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Davidson, John (2013). The Magic of Roses For Cooking and Beauty. JD-Biz Corp Publishing. p. PT20. ISBN 9781311602237.
  2. ^ Nadaf, Nilofar; Patil, Renuka; Zanzurne, Chaitanya (2012). "Effect of addition of gulkand and rose petal powder on chemical composition and organoleptic properties of Shrikhand". Recent Research in Science and Technology. 4: 52–55.
  3. ^ "Gulkand, the Sweet Rose Preserve That's Also an Incredible Summer Coolant". NDTV Food. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  4. ^ a b Ravsaheb, Mhetre Suhas (2019). "Preparation of gulkand flavored milk". Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth.
  5. ^ Singh, Prerna (2012). The Everything Indian Slow Cooker Cookbook. Adams Media. ISBN 9781440541698.
  6. ^ Parveen, Rabea; Zahiruddin, Sultan (2020). "Chromatographic Profiling of Rose Petals in Unani Formulations (Gulkand, Arq-e-Gulab, and Rose Sharbat) Using HPTLC and GC–MS". Journal of AOAC International. 103 (3): 684–691. doi:10.5740/jaoacint.19-0289. PMID 31561756.
  7. ^ Davidson, John (2013). The Magic of Roses For Cooking and Beauty. JD-Biz Corp Publishing. p. PT21. ISBN 9781311602237.