Brief history of Gulkand
Gulkand is a luxurious sun-cooked preserve of Damask rose petals. It’s said that Gulkand was originally formulated in ancient Indo-Persia (900 B.C) for its intense flavours as an ingredient and for its healing properties as a coolant. It is quite possibly the most complete and authentic rose experience as slow sun-cooking concentrates the flavours of the Damask rose in an easy to use gently caramelized preserve. “Gul” means flower in both Persian and Urdu whereas “Kand” translates into sweetness in Arabic. It is believed to possess cooling & calming properties which is why it has been traditionally associated with regal recipes to create a wide range of desserts and bakery preparations to beat the summer heat. The lavish costs and seasonal nature of Damask roses coupled with the arduous process of sun-cooking and curing Gulkand make it one of the finest and most sought after delicacies coming out of the Indian sub-continent after the world famous Kashmiri Saffron.
There is documented proof that ancient Indian (Ayurvedic), Greek, Persian & Arabic (Unani) physicians prescribed Gulkand to mitigate a wide variety of summer/heat related ailments. Gulkand was primarily consumed in these regions for the cooling properties it imparted to the user. Ayurvedic texts which can be traced back to 900 B.C list Gulkand as a “Rasayana” which is Sanskrit for “tonic”; a tonic which helps in alleviating summer specific health issues like sun-strokes, acidity, indigestion, lethargy, inflamed eyes, excessive perspiration.
Damask roses have always been associated with all things related to love, romance and adventure. Historical evidence suggests that Gulkand has a calming effect on one’s nervous system and is considered to be a powerful aphrodisiac as well. If that isn’t convincing enough, it also acts as a fragrant by reducing body odour when consumed regularly during summer months. The scope of benefits extends to beautification by purifying one’s blood. This improves one’s complexion by mitigating skin conditions like rashes and acne.
Gulkand prepared from Damask roses was the ingredient of choice for ancient royalty & aristocracy for all of the aforementioned benefits it imparted. It was considered to be that universal elixir which uplifted the soul, opened up avenues for love and enhanced one’s beauty. Thankfully, this arduous & at times prolonged tradition of preparing slow sun-cooked Gulkand has lived on into our times and everybody has access to this wonderful summer elixir!
Regal, exotic, authentic & opulent, a ‘rose experience’ that remains unmatched. We can assure you, just one teaspoonful of Gulkand will forever change the way you look at roses!
There is documented proof that ancient Indian (Ayurvedic), Greek, Persian & Arabic (Unani) physicians prescribed Gulkand to mitigate a wide variety of summer/heat related ailments. Gulkand was primarily consumed in these regions for the cooling properties it imparted to the user. Ayurvedic texts which can be traced back to 900 B.C list Gulkand as a “Rasayana” which is Sanskrit for “tonic”; a tonic which helps in alleviating summer specific health issues like sun-strokes, acidity, indigestion, lethargy, inflamed eyes, excessive perspiration.
Damask roses have always been associated with all things related to love, romance and adventure. Historical evidence suggests that Gulkand has a calming effect on one’s nervous system and is considered to be a powerful aphrodisiac as well. If that isn’t convincing enough, it also acts as a fragrant by reducing body odour when consumed regularly during summer months. The scope of benefits extends to beautification by purifying one’s blood. This improves one’s complexion by mitigating skin conditions like rashes and acne.
Gulkand prepared from Damask roses was the ingredient of choice for ancient royalty & aristocracy for all of the aforementioned benefits it imparted. It was considered to be that universal elixir which uplifted the soul, opened up avenues for love and enhanced one’s beauty. Thankfully, this arduous & at times prolonged tradition of preparing slow sun-cooked Gulkand has lived on into our times and everybody has access to this wonderful summer elixir!
Regal, exotic, authentic & opulent, a ‘rose experience’ that remains unmatched. We can assure you, just one teaspoonful of Gulkand will forever change the way you look at roses!