There is an Astounding Variety of Ways to Use This Nutritious Fruit

“Smell the Roses?” We hear that phrase often. When you think of the ways Roses and Rosehips are used, you will appreciate that phrase more. Read on…

•  1. Dried or Powdered Rose Hips
  • Easiest methods of storing Rose Hips
  • Longer storage time and can
  • Versatile
  • Stock up on them for your favorite recipes.

• 2. Rose Hips Tea
  • Boosts the immune system.
  • Provides antioxidants.
  • Prevents infections
  • Helps reduce facial wrinkles and fine lines from aging by providing moisture content that retains the skin nutrients that naturally dry with aging and stress.
  • It is a perfect remedy for skin spots.
  • The nutrients give long term protection to prevent eczema and acne.
  • It is also used as a digestive aid.

• 3. Juice
  • Same effects with tea and more
  • Stronger preparation than tea
  • Easiest to make and store

• 4.  Rose Hips Jelly or Jam
  • Same benefits as any rose hip recipe
  • More versatile because it can be used with more variety on different foods
  • enjoy the natural health benefits for healthy organs when you enjoy this tasty and easy to prepare condiment.

• 5. Rose Hips Syrup
  • Prepared with same ingredients as Jelly or Jam
  • Just as versatile in use with adding nutrition to other foods
  • Great way to introduce the Rose Hip health concept to family and friends and the world!

•  6. Rosehip essential oil
  • Use for skin care and facials to renew the cell membranes and skin tissue that is destroyed by aging and by the environmental agents that attack our skin, even protecting against ultraviolet light. Moisturizing and stimulating collagen production fixes many skin issues.
  • Slow cook over low heat, add a carrier oil, strain it into a dark glass jar. Cool the mixture and refrigerate it.
  • Use in Aromatherapy
  • Use with another carrier oil for massage and let it rejuvenate your skin cells.
  • An oil can also be made by putting the fresh or dried rosehips with seeds
    • Put them in a dark jar and add oil like olive oil or your preferred oil.

•  7. Aromatherapy
  • Uses the essential oil, in this case, Rose Essential Oil, or Rosehip Essential Oil.
  • Mix it with another oil or water and let it diffuse in the air around you
  • Use it for stress, grief, PTSD (No wonder Roses smell so good!)
  • Also known for calming during feminine cycles
  • Strong solutions have more effect.

• 8. Extract
  • To make an extract involves a special process.
  • The fruit is mashed into a liquid such as alcohol or glycerin.
    • Strain the solid parts out
    • Extracts are concentrated liquid.
  • It is used for reducing pain and inflammation.
  • Improves mobility
  • Many other uses

•  9. Infusions
  • Stronger concentration than some of the other preparations.
  • Make into a drink, remedy or extract by soaking leaves from herbs or edible plants.
  • Effects are faster acting which provides the evidence for beneficial use quicker than with other methods.
  • This preparation protects the nutrients better than other preparations.

•  10. Tinctures
  • Dissolves an herbal extract in alcohol.
  • Stronger and concentrated.

• 11. Decoctions
  • Uses the woody part of the plant – root, bark or stems
  • The water-soluble minerals and bitter essentials are soaked out
  • Bitters are good for digestion
  • It is more concentrated than an infusion.
  • Only lasts 72 hours and needs refrigeration
  • Prepares the Rosehips woody parts for the purpose of using it for medicine.
  • Good for emergency needs

•  12. Rose Water
  • I think this is my favorite. All those roses I get from the garden are made to good use. I hate throwing the petals out. They should last forever. Right?
  • Splash on your face and skin
  • Use as an ingredient in many beauty treatments
  • Clean, cook, make soap with it.
  • Put it in hair products.
  • Great in perfume recipes
  • Use as a spritz
  • To prepare:
    • Make sure the water is distilled or very purified.
    • Cover petals with water.
    • Boil them until you see color.
    • Let them cool and drain into a glass container.
    • Keep in the refrigerator.

• 13. Sugared Rose Petals
  • I know we can eat flowers in salads, but this recipe sounds so fun and I have never done this, but I will next year!

Sources: 1). Catherine Wilson, October 20, 2019, https://thegrownetwork.com/12-uses-for-rose-petals-from-the-kitchen-to-the-boudoir/ 2). Rose Hip Soup, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Tips on Preparation

• Remember heat destroys vitamin C nutrients
• Be careful not to contaminate the product
• Use ingredients that you know are not contaminated
• Use sterile equipment for preparing and storing
• Use only the ripest and unspoiled fruit
• Prepare extra for your friends
• Have fun staying healthy!

Recipes

Check out these awesome recipes that will water your mouth! They are easy recipes for beginners and ideas for seasoned Rose Hip Lovers. You can purchase Rose Hips dried, or you can harvest your own.

Share with me the ways you have used Rose Hips. I know I used to just think that they made an awesome nature picture! But just knowing the vital nutrition these Rose Hips pack, make me eager to find new patches! Remember to share us on social media too!