Cheery, red rose hips on a frost-nipped hedge rose or rugosa rose bush are a sure harbinger of winter. Rose hips are extremely high in vitamin C and are a favorite of herbalists and cooks because of their tangy flavor. The University of Vermont Extension website reminds rose-hip gatherers to forego picking hips from bushes treated with pesticide, which cancels out any health benefits the rosy fruit has to offer.
Medicinal and Flavorful Teas
Dried rose hips stored in a jar provide the basis for a tart, vitamin-C packed tea any time of year. To dry rose hips, remove the star-like blossom end from the fruit, rinse and spread an even layer of the hips over the bottom of a cookie sheet. Bake the hips in a 100-degree Fahrenheit oven until they are slightly withered and browned, but not burnt. Store the slow-dried rose hips in a sealed jar. To make tea, cover a generous handful of dried rose hips with plenty of water, and bring them to a slow-boil for about 10 minutes. The tea will have a golden, rosy hue and may need a little honey or sugar to sweeten the tang.
Jams and Jellies
Many cooks prepare jams, jellies or marmalades from soft, ripened rose hips. The Simply Recipes website compares the taste of rose hips to hibiscus tea. Rose hip jams and jellies not only have a sweet-tart, flowery taste, but they also have a distinctive, orange-honey color.
Pain-reliever for Osteoarthritis
Researchers found an unexpected benefit from rose hips after studying the effects of powdered rose hips in patients who suffer from osteoarthritis. The 2007 study conducted in Denmark revealed how rose hips help control the pain associated with osteoarthritis more effectively and with far fewer side effects than paracetamol or other painkillers. While researchers intend to further study why the fruit works against osteoarthritis pain, the Mail Online website says there is enough evidence to satisfy researchers about the pain-reducing qualities of powdered rose hips.
Syrup and Sauces
Because of food shortages in Great Britain during World War II, the Ministry of Health dispensed rose-hip syrup as a substitute for citrus fruits and products during the war years, states the University of Vermont Extension website. The amount of vitamin C in rose hips far surpasses that of citrus fruit. A simple syrup or sauce is easily made by pureeing the seeded hips, adding water and sugar to the puree, and bringing the mixture to a boil. The sauce complements wild game, fish and desserts.
Rose Hip Wines and Toddies
Rose hips are used to make wine that many people consider a close second in flavor to wine made from grapes, according to the Epicurious website. The wine needs to age for at least two years, however, to complete the fermentation and aging process. Rose-hip syrup added to rum or whiskey, laced with lemon juice and hot water, also makes a soothing hot toddy on a cold, winter's day.
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