Exploring Azerbaijan's Gulab: A Cultural And Historical Journey

In Azerbaijan, rose water is known as gulab, and it is used to make tea. The country's tea-drinking culture is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages when a bush of tea leaves made its way to Azerbaijan via the Silk Road. Today, Azerbaijanis prefer to drink black tea, although they also consume green and herbal teas made with wild herbs picked in the mountains. Tea is typically served in a small crystal glass called an armudu, which means pear-shaped. The unique shape of the glass allows the tea at the bottom to cool down more slowly, so the temperature remains consistent from the first sip to the last.

Rose water is used to flavour tea

In Azerbaijan, rose water is called 'gulab' and is used to flavour tea. While the rose water itself is virtually tasteless, it adds a unique fragrance to the tea and perfumes the air. The amount of rose water added to tea is a matter of personal preference, but one teaspoon is typically enough to enhance the tea's aroma.

Rose water is just one of the many ways Azerbaijanis flavour their tea. Black tea is the most popular variety, but herbal teas made from wild herbs picked in the mountains are also common. Azerbaijanis may add rose petals, whole cloves, fresh or dried mint leaves, dried ginger, cinnamon sticks, or even chamomile to their tea. Keklikotu (wild thyme) tea is the most beloved blend in Azerbaijan, used both for its aroma and its medicinal properties.

The process of brewing Azerbaijani tea is an enjoyable and leisurely affair. Traditionally, tea is brewed in a porcelain teapot filled with boiling water from a wood-fired samovar. Some people pour a small amount of the brewed tea into the serving glass and then back into the pot before serving to enhance the aroma. Tea is typically served in a small crystal or glass cup called an "armudu", which means "pear-shaped". This shape allows the tea at the bottom of the glass to cool down more slowly, so the temperature remains consistent from the first sip to the last.

Tea holds a significant place in Azerbaijani culture and is associated with warmth and hospitality. It is customary to serve tea to guests and during conversations, and it is considered impolite to let a guest leave without offering them tea. Tea is also served during matchmaking, and how the tea is served indicates the outcome: tea without sugar means the chances of a marriage agreement are low, while tea with sugar means there will be a wedding.

Rose syrup is made in the Ganja region

The process of making rose syrup typically involves extracting the essence of rose petals, which are known for their delicate fragrance. This essence is then combined with other ingredients, such as sugar, to create a sweet and flavorful syrup. The result is a versatile product that can be used in a variety of ways, including as a topping for desserts or as an ingredient in beverages.

In the Ganja region, rose syrup is a specialty, and the local community takes great pride in their unique variety of roses and the syrups that are produced from them. The roses grown in this region are known for their vibrant color and distinct aroma, which is said to be more potent than those found in other parts of the country. The syrup made from these roses is highly valued for its ability to elevate the flavor and fragrance of whatever dish or drink it is added to.

The process of making rose syrup in Ganja typically involves hand-picking the rose petals, ensuring that only the most tender and fragrant petals are used. These petals are then carefully washed and sorted to remove any impurities. Next, the petals are combined with water and slowly heated, allowing the rose essence to infuse into the water. This mixture is then strained to separate the petals from the infused water.

Finally, the infused water is combined with sugar and heated again to create a syrup. The syrup is cooked until it reaches the perfect consistency and then bottled. The entire process is done with great care and attention to detail, ensuring that the final product is of the highest quality.

The rose syrup produced in the Ganja region is known for its exceptional flavor and aroma. It is often used to enhance the taste of various dishes and beverages, both traditional and modern. In traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, rose syrup may be added to tea, giving it a unique floral note. It is also commonly used as a topping for desserts, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.

In addition to its culinary uses, rose syrup from the Ganja region is also valued for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have therapeutic benefits for the stomach and heart, often being recommended as a natural remedy for digestive issues and cardiovascular health. The pleasant aroma of the syrup is also said to have a calming effect on the mind and body, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Rose jam is made in the northwestern region of Zaqatala

One of the most popular places to see rose plantations is the Lecheq Farm and Distillery in the village of Ashagi Tala. Visitors can walk through the colourful fields and experience the enchanting scent of the flowers. The distillery also offers tours where guests can witness the process of producing rose oil, which is used in various products.

The northwestern region of Azerbaijan is known for its gastronomic delights, and Zaqatala is no exception. In addition to rose jam, the region offers a variety of other jams, including olive jam from the Absheron Peninsula and mulberry jam from Qabala. The local cuisine also includes bozbash (lamb soup), qutab (fried turnovers with a meat or greens filling), and dushbara (dumplings filled with meat and spices).

Zaqatala is located in the South Caucasus region, bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east and Russia's Republic of Dagestan to the north. The region is known for its diverse landscape, including mountain ranges, flatlands, and the Caspian Sea shoreline. The area also has a rich history, with human settlement dating back to the late Stone Age. Today, Zaqatala is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning natural beauty and a unique cultural experience.

Rose petals are used to make herbal tea

In Azerbaijan, rose petals are used to make herbal tea. Rose water, known as gulab in the country, is added to tea to give it a unique fragrance and enhance its aroma. While the rose water itself is virtually tasteless, it elevates the tea-drinking experience by perfuming the air with the scent of roses.

The process of making rose petal tea involves adding rose petals to the brewed tea base, along with other ingredients like whole cloves, fresh or dried mint leaves, dried ginger, cinnamon sticks, or chamomile. Rose petal tea is just one of the many herbal tea varieties enjoyed in Azerbaijan, alongside green and black tea.

The tradition of tea in Azerbaijan dates back centuries and is deeply entrenched in the country's culture. Tea is typically served hot, strong, and in small crystal or pear-shaped ("armudu") glasses. It is a symbol of hospitality, and guests are continuously offered tea during their visit. Tea is also served during special occasions, such as matchmaking, where the presence or absence of sugar in the tea indicates the outcome of the marriage proposal.

In addition to rose petals, Azerbaijanis add various ingredients to their tea, such as thyme, mint, or lavender. The country's most beloved tea blend is keklikotu (wild thyme) tea, known for its medicinal properties in fighting colds, clearing the respiratory system, aiding insomnia, and promoting relaxation.

The art of making herbal tea with rose petals and other ingredients is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan and its people's creativity in elevating the simple act of tea drinking into a sensory experience.

Rose oil is produced in Zagatala

Rose oil is produced in the northwestern region of Zagatala, Azerbaijan. The region is known for its vast rose and lavender plantations, with roses adorning the streets and yards of the local villages. The Lecheq Farm and Distillery in the village of Ashagi Tala has been operating since 2016 and offers tours of its flower fields. Visitors can witness the enchanting beauty and aroma of the Damascus roses, narrow-leaved lavender, and mint grown at the distillery.

The process of producing rose oil can be observed at a nearby rose oil refinery, where guests can follow the journey from the collection of raw materials to the creation of the final product. Rose oil has various applications and is used in different fields. The production of rose oil is an important part of the local culture and economy in Zagatala, contributing to the region's reputation as the "land of roses."

The history of rose cultivation in Zagatala dates back to the 1960s when rose bushes were first brought to the region from Bulgaria. Since then, a variety of rose types, such as rainbow and Crimea, have been grown. The locals are known for their expertise in creating rose-derived products, including rose jam, rosewater, and rose syrups. Rose water, known as "gulab" in Azerbaijan, is a key ingredient in traditional Azerbaijani tea, adding a unique fragrance and opening up the tea's aroma.

The climate and geographical conditions of Zagatala provide an ideal setting for rose cultivation. The unshaded flower fields are best visited in the morning to avoid the hot sun, offering a delightful sensory experience with the delicate aroma of roses and lavender filling the air. The beauty and scent of the flower plantations in Zagatala have made it a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

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