Orange Blossom Water / Rose Water

Orange blossom water and rose water are fragrant flower waters made by distilling blossoms or petals, and both have a long place in Lebanese kitchens. A few drops are enough to scent the sugar syrup poured over knefeh, baklava and other pastries, to flavour maamoul dough, mouhallabieh and ashta, or to lift a fruit salad or a glass of lemonade. Orange blossom water is also the base of white coffee, a cup of hot water with a splash of the flower water, often served after a meal. You can find orange blossom water and rose water at Dekenet Al Nes, a package-free grocery store in Baaqline, in the Chouf. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers and refill what they need, which helps cut plastic waste and single-use packaging.