The Magic of Rose Hips: Harvesting and Making Syrup
It may come as a surprise that roses, known primarily for their beautiful blooms, produce edible fruit. Even ornamental plants can find a place in the kitchen, showcasing their versatility beyond mere decoration. When autumn arrives and the vibrant blooms of summer roses fade, they leave behind a hidden gem: rose hips. These small, colorful fruits are not only beautiful but also incredibly nutritious. I’ve collected rose hips from my backyard rose bush and transformed them into a unique syrup which tastes great in a cocktail or mocktail. Find a rose bush in winter and give this recipe a try. You won’t find this treat in any grocery store.
Rose hips are the fruit that develops from the blossoms of roses after the petals fall. Packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants, these tiny fruits boast both nutritional and culinary benefits. This syrup captures their natural sweetness but also offers potential health benefits.
Backyard Rose Hip Syrup
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh rose hips (harvested from unsprayed, pesticide-free roses)
4 cups water
2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Harvesting Rose Hips: Select fully ripe hips, which should be firm, plump, and deep in color. Harvest with clean, sanitized shears, leaving the stems attached.
2. Cleaning and Preparing: Wash the rose hips thoroughly, removing any remnants of stems and leaves. Trim the ends and cut the hips in half, exposing the seeds inside. Remove all of the seeds and discard. The seeds and fibrous interior of the rose hip can cause stomach upset, so it is best to remove this part prior to making the syrup.
3. Simmering the Rose Hips: In a large pot, combine the cleaned rose hips with 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to cook for approximately 30-40 minutes or until the rose hips become soft. (Alternatively you can place the water and rose hips in a crockpot and cook on low for about 8 hours).
4. Straining the Mixture: Once simmered, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl. Press the softened rose hips to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Creating the Syrup: Return the strained liquid to the pot and add sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and let it simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes. The syrup will thicken slightly during this process.
6. Bottling and Storing: Once the syrup achieves your desired consistency, carefully pour it into clean, sterilized glass bottles or jars. Seal tightly and let it cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator.
7. Enjoying Your Creation: Your homemade rose hip syrup is now ready to be savored! Try drizzling it over pancakes or desserts. It also tastes great mixed sparkling water and lemon juice for a refreshing beverage or integrated into a more complex cocktail. Let your culinary creativity bloom with this backyard-made delight.
Crafting rose hip syrup from your backyard harvest is not just a culinary adventure; it's a celebration of the changing seasons and the rich tapestry of flavors nature provides. As you sip this unique creation, you'll taste the essence of your own backyard, transforming a simple fruit into a versatile and delectable syrup.
