A plate of gulkand | |
Alternative names | Rose petal jam |
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Region or state | Indian subcontinent |
Serving temperature | Room temperature |
Main ingredients | Rose petals, sugar |
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]
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]
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]