rose water
A watery distillate of rose petals with a strong floral scent, used by the drop or spoonful to perfume sweets, rice and drinks.
Rose water is made by distilling rose petals and carries their scent, but neither colour nor sweetness. It is potent, and too much quickly tastes soapy, so it is added sparingly and usually towards the end. It is reliably found in Turkish, Persian or Middle Eastern grocers, often in the baking aisle of larger supermarkets, at pharmacies, or by mail order.
Substitute:
There is no true substitute, since the rose scent is the whole point. Food-grade rose extract or rose oil works but is far more concentrated and must be used by the drop; orange blossom water gives an equally floral but clearly different dish.