Foraging: Rose Hips

Foraging rosehips is a rewarding autumn activity that yields a versatile and nutrient-rich fruit. Rosehips are the small, red fruits that appear on wild rose bushes after the flowers have bloomed and fallen. They are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and have been used in traditional remedies for centuries.

How to Forage🌿:
Rosehips are best foraged in late autumn, typically from September to November, depending on your location. The ideal time to pick them is after the first frost. Frost softens the hips, making them sweeter and easier to process. If you live in a milder climate, you can also wait until the hips have turned a deep red-orange and feel slightly soft to the touch. Once gathered, rinse them well and remove the stems and remaining flower ends. 

On the farm we have two different shaped hips, the smaller oval type and the larger I say lantern shaped ones after one of my nieces thought they were lanterns for fairies.

Why Forage🫙:
Rose hips are highly nutritious, containing more vitamin C than oranges. They are ideal for making a variety of foods and drinks such as rose hip syrup, tea, jams, or jellies. Foraging rose hips is also a sustainable way to connect with nature and use the wild resources available in your local environment, while reducing food waste and packaging from store-bought items. 

This year I've picked and used the hips and the farm apples to make our "Gold Jelly" which is such a beautiful colour and pairs so well with meats.