21/09/2025
I heard on the weather forecast today that we may soon be getting some morning frosts, which will start the season for harvesting wild rose hips😊
To harvest and use rose hips, pick them after the first frost of autumn, when they turn a vibrant red and become slightly soft. The cold temperature causes a chemical change in the fruit, converting some starches into sugars, which increases sweetness.
Indicators that a rose hip is ripe include:
• Colour: Ripe hips have a deep, uniform red or bright orange colour. Hips that are green, yellow, dark brown, or black and shrivelled should be avoided.
• Texture: When gently squeezed, ripe hips are firm with slight softness, similar to ripe cherry tomatoes. If they are very hard, they are unripe; if mushy, they are overripe.
Please remember, it is best to harvest rose hips from bushes that are not exposed to contaminants, such as those found in the wild away from roadsides, in personal organic gardens, or from verified sources. Roadside plants may be affected by pollutants from vehicle emissions.
Once harvested, follow these steps for processing:
1. Place the collected rose hips in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cool water to eliminate any dirt or insects.
2. With a small, sharp knife, remove both the stalk and the shrivelled blossom end from each hip.
3. Carefully slice each rose hip lengthwise.
4. Using the tip of the knife or a small spoon, methodically extract all seeds and fine hairs from each half, ensuring complete removal.
5. After deseeding, return the rose hip halves to the colander and rinse them vigorously once more to clear away any remaining hairs. The prepared rose hip shells may now be used fresh or dried for future use.
To prepare rose hip tea:
• Use approximately 2 tablespoons of freshly processed and chopped rose hip shells per cup.
• Place them in a small saucepan with water, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and steep off the heat for 15–20 minutes before straining.
Other common methods for consuming rose hips include:
• Rose Hip Syrup: A sweet, concentrated liquid prepared by simmering processed hips with water and sugar, then straining. It can be used as a topping or mixed into beverages.
• Rose Hip Jelly: A jelly made by extracting pectin and flavour from simmered hips and cooking the strained liquid with sugar until set.
• Rose Hip Powder: Dried rose hips ground into a fine powder with a spice grinder. The powder may be added to smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods.
• Infused Vinegar or Oil: Processed fresh hips are covered with apple cider vinegar or a neutral oil and left to infuse for several weeks to create a flavoured ingredient for dressings.
What are the primary health benefits of rose hips?
• Rose hips are recognised for their exceptional nutritional profile, particularly their high vitamin C content. Below is an overview of their notable health advantages:
• Immune Support: Rose hips contain markedly higher levels of vitamin C per gram compared to oranges, which makes rose hip tea a well-established remedy during cold and flu season.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Rose hips include compounds such as galactolipids, which have been researched for their ability to alleviate joint pain and inflammation, especially in individuals with arthritis.
• Antioxidant Richness: They are abundant in flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols, all of which contribute to protecting the body’s cells against damage caused by free radicals.
• Skin Health: The significant vitamin C and antioxidant content in rose hips supports collagen production and may help shield the skin from sun exposure. As a result, rose hip seed oil is frequently utilised as an ingredient in skincare products.
Best wishes 🌺
