what can i use fresh "rose hips" for ?

Answer 1

Rose Hips Recipes

Rose hips are the cherry-sized red fruits of the rose bush left behind after the bloom has died. Although nearly all rose bushes produce rose hips, the tastiest for eating purposes come from the Rosa rugosa variety. The flavor is described as fruity and spicy, much like the cranberry. Harvest the fruits after the first frost when they become fully-colored, but not overripe. They should yield to gentle pressure but not be soft or wrinkly. Most recipes advise removing the irritating hairy seeds before processing the fruit. When cooking with rose hips, do not use any metal pans or utensils other than stainless steel or risk discoloration of the fruit and loss of its precious vitamin C stores.

For you gardeners who are lucky enough to have this fruit in your garden, here are some rose hips recipes. You'll find more than just the basic jelly, although it is also included here. Enjoy!

• How To Dry Rose Hips
• Rose Hip Leather
• Rose Hip Apple Sauce
• Rose Hip Soup
• Rose Hip Pudding
• Rose Hip Syrup
• Rose Hip Nut Bread
• Kodiak Rose Hip Tea
• Rose Hip Crumble Pie
• Rose Hip Candy
• Rosehip Jelly


A research student wrote me with the following cautionary note:
"Anyone using rose hips for cooking should remove all the seeds. They are covered with sliver-hairs that, when ingested, irritate the digestive system and cause what the aboriginal people call "itchy bottom disease."

I was unable to find any information on this myself, but for what it's worth, here is the warning nonetheless. --Peggy

Answer 2

I'm glad to see the recipes! I've foraged and used rose hips for lots of different things in the past, eating them as I work. Tasty, if you like that bitey-acid flavor.
As an addition to jam and jellies, they give a lovely color and nice sharp citrus flavor. I most often use rose hips as an ingredient in herbal teas. If you're making the tea now, pick and crush the hips, combine with a sprig of your favorite mint, maybe a little rosemary or thyme and steep for 3-5 minutes. To use later in the season, especially through the minter, crush the hips, spread them on a fine screen, cover with cheesecloth or tulle and allow to dry in a warm dark place. For best results, keep a fan in the area for air circulation. I make a Vitamin C tea for winter cold and flu season use. Whatever your ideas about herbal remedies, this tea tastes lovely and gives one a little boost. I use rose hips, parsley, hibiscus flowers and alfalfa for the main body of the tea.

Answer 3

a rose hip & safron jam is most delightful

Answer 4

use as a salad additive, garnish, jams/jellies, decoration etc...

Answer 5

I use them to make my own pillow spray-- just add water!

Answer 6

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