Rosehips are a fantastic source of vitamin C, providing even more of this essential nutrient than oranges when compared by weight. Packed with natural goodness, rosehips offer an abundance of antioxidants, which are vital for maintaining a healthy immune system and fighting off harmful free radicals. Not only do these vibrant fruits taste delicious, but they also boast a higher concentration of vitamin C, making them an excellent addition to any balanced diet. Whether enjoyed as a tea, added to smoothies, or incorporated into jams and jellies, rosehips offer a convenient and flavorful way to boost your daily intake of vitamin C. So why not give your immune system a natural and nutritious boost with the power of rosehips?

These beautiful, shiny, red hips are around in an absolute abundance at this time of year and now that we've had our first frost here in Cambs, its the perfect time to pick them.

How and where to find Rosehip

The most common wild rose is the dog rose (pictured) but in fact, all rosehips are edible. The dog rose is very common in hedgerows, usually entangled around hawthorn and blackthorn trees, among other native hedgerows.

The dog rose grows up to 5 meters tall and bushy. It normlly grows tall and then trails over.

Its leaves have toothed edges and are oval shaped, commonly dark green on top with a lighter green on the underside.

The stems have sharp, hook-like, nasty thorns.

In late spring and throughout summer, the flowers have 5, heart shaped petals. These are mostly pale pink but can also be white in colour.

The fruits of the rose, commonly known as the hip, are a bright and shiny shade of red. Each flower that does not get picked will become a hip in autumn but its best to wait until after the first frost to collect them.

Rosehip benefits and uses

It is said that rosehips, weight for weight, contain 8 times more vitamin C than oranges. They also contain Vitamins A, B5 and E.

Most commonly, fresh rosehips are used to make a syrup, jams & jellies, cordials and even fruit leather. They have tiny hairs inside with the seeds which are an irritant so its best to remove these first or strain the processed pulp through a muslin or cheese cloth to remove.

Dried rosehips can be used to make a herbal soothing, healing tea or infused in carrier oil to use topically.

Traditionally, dog rose has been used for reducing pain caused by swollen joints, headaches and even arthritis. Oil infused with rosehip has long been used as anti-aging skincare.

Today rosehip is still commonly used in anti-aging substances. Studies conducted have shown that rosehip oil can reduce scarring and significantly speed up healing.

Other studies have been conducted and show that rosehip is effective in the treatment of symptoms from arthritis pain and inflammation.

How to make your own Rosehip Syrup

You will need.....

• A Widemouth jar (size of choice) with a good sealing lid

• White sugar (you can use any sugar but if its not white, it will darken the syrup)

• Rosehips

• A cheesecloth or muslin cloth for straining

• Begin by sterilising the jar. Wash well in hot, soapy water, rinse under hot water and place jar and lid in the oven on its lowest temperature to dry.

• Whilst the jar is drying, wash the rosehips well under cold water, drain and lay on a clean tea towel to dry.

• Top and tail the hips and score a line around the centre to allow the sugar to extract the juices.

• Once the jar and hips are dry, begin by pouring a layer of sugar about 1cm deep to cover the bottom of the jar.

• Cover the sugar with a single layer of rosehips.

• Now cover this layer of rosehips with a layer of sugar, just enough so that the hips are covered.

• Repeat this process until the jar is full.

• Once full, place the lid on the jar and store in a warm, sunny place for around 2 to 3 months. Try to remember to turn the jar regularly to help the syrup along.

• Once the sugar is completely dissolved, the syrup is fininished and can now be strained.

• Strain through a cheesecloth or muslin cloth just incase any of those pesky hairs managed to escape.

• Pour the sryup into a sterilised jar and store refridgerated for best results.

Method......

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