It has been quite a while, since my last post, but then so much has happened.
My trip to Iran to do research for my book was a great success.
I went to many amazing places, saw unique sites and had wonderful experiences.

If I would have to pick out one thing that made my trip unforgettable  it would be the people of Iran. I have seldom been made to  feel so welcome and been treated with such generosity.

In the next months I will be poring over my notes, recipes and photographs for the book.
I will post, from time to time, little teasers to whet your appetite for the delights of Persian food.
Rosewater is one of those delights and I was lucky enough, to be near Golestaneh during the annual rose harvest.

• the perfume of the roses, when you step into the fields is so intense

• the roses are from the rugosa family

• they are picked very early in the morning, because the perfume is strongest

• the loose petals are put in big bags and delivered to the distilleries

• where they make the famous rosewater, so much loved in Persian cooking

• with the rose buds, they make also beautiful wreaths

• here some women in chadors pose with  rose wreaths on their heads

• a lively discussion on which rosewater brand is the best