Rosehips: Nutrition, Uses, and Preparation

Rosehips are red fruits known for their vitamin C content. They are enjoyed as a tea and are also commonly used to make jam. Ripening in autumn, they are used in kitchens both fresh and dried. Their red skin, hard seeds, and hairy seed covering set them apart from other red fruits and call for a little extra care during preparation. Below are practical tips for brewing rosehip tea and making rosehip jam. Once the skins and seeds have been removed, rosehips can be used for tea or marmalade. The red skins add color and a tart flavor when steeped. Rosehip skins also give hot infusions color and a sour taste. Rosehips can be used to make tea and marmalade; the seeds and pieces of skin are strained out during preparation.

How to Brew Rosehip Tea
Add dried rosehips to boiling water, then let them steep over low heat for 10–15 minutes. Since prolonged boiling may cause some of the vitamin C to be lost, steeping them in hot water is preferred to boiling them for a long time. Strain the tea and sweeten it with honey or cinnamon, if desired. Rosehips can also be made into syrup: cook the strained infusion with sugar until it thickens, bottle it, and mix it with cold water for a refreshing drink.

Tips for Making Rosehip Jam
Be sure to remove the hairy seeds from the rosehips when making jam; the hairs can irritate the throat, so take care not to let them get into the jam. Boil the fruit until soft, then strain it to separate the seeds and skins. Cook the resulting purée with sugar until it thickens. To check the consistency, put a spoonful of the mixture on a cold plate and push it with a finger; if it wrinkles, the jam is ready. Adding a little lemon juice helps the jam set and keeps its color bright.

How to Store Rosehips and Rosehip Products
Fresh rosehips can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days. Dried rosehips can be stored for months in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Fill sterilized jars with the hot rosehip jam; for longer storage, process the jars in a boiling-water bath rather than turning them upside down, since inverted jars may seal weakly and can grow mold. Rosehip syrup can be stored in dark-colored bottles in the refrigerator for a few months; shake the bottle before each use.

How to Use Rosehip Powder
Dried, powdered rosehips can be sprinkled over smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal. A small amount can also be added to cake or cookie batter for a lightly tart note. Because rosehip powder is affected by light and moisture, store it in a dark, airtight jar.

What Flavors Pair Well with Rosehips?
Rosehips' tart, mildly sweet flavor pairs well with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Rosehip tea sweetened with honey is a popular hot drink in winter, and rosehip jam is a classic match for breakfast cheeses. Rosehip syrup can be mixed with lemonade or sparkling water for a refreshing summer drink; this blend makes a pleasant option, especially for children.