As foraging season winds down in the Northeast, there are a few wild foods out there, and the rose hips are ready just in time for me to put my foraging gear away. I'm excited to show you how to forge for, and dry rose hips for tea.
Rose hips are not just pretty to look at—they're also packed with vitamin C, lycopene and other antioxidants. So if you want to add more flavor, color, and nutrients, dried rose hip tea is a delicious option. But whether you have a dedicated food dehydrator using your oven or out in the sun, you need some patience, a food processor or blender, and a glass jar, and you're in business! Here are three ways to dry your foraged rosehips and brew tasty tea.
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What are rose hips?
Rose hips are the edible fruit of the rose plant. They're a little round, red or orange berry that grows on the end of a rose stem. The size of a rose hip depends on the type of rose; it can range from under an inch to over two inches in diameter.
Rose hips are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, and they're also used to make tea and jam. They're an excellent source of fiber, too!
All varieties of rose hips are edible! They can be used fresh or dried in jams, teas, and tinctures. While the entire Rose hip is edible, there is one caveat. Rose hips contain tiny hairs that irritate when ingested by humans—it was actually used to make itching powder!
However, some people still enjoy eating them raw without experiencing any problems from these hairs on the inside of the fruit (though others may find this unpleasant). Make sure to scrape out the seeds and hairs out of fresh rose hips, or if using dried, strain them well through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
When can you harvest rose hips?
You'll see rose hips starting in late summer and early fall. The best time to collect them is after the first frost. Similar to leaving grapes on the vine for ice wine, the frigid temperatures make the rose hips sweeter. Harvest them in before they start falling off the plant.
Wild roses exist all over the United States and Canada, from beautiful beach roses to tiny and invasive Multiflora Roses. Check with your local foraging guide to see what varieties are in your area.
Foraging Tips
This year, I'm getting my rose hips picked before winter hits. I will be out there in the garden with my gloves, picking away at the rose bushes while leaving enough for the birds.
It can be tempting to pick up those red-orange hips without preparing, but let me tell you: it's worth the extra effort. You'll have cuts on your hands if you don't wear gloves. And if you don't take your time when picking, you're gonna end up with a lot less than what you need.
Whatever method you use, take your time, wear protective clothing, and spread your picking out across a few bushes. We want to make sure there's plenty for the birds this winter!
How to Dry Rose hips for tea
Drying wild rose hips is a great way to preserve this foraged edible for later use.
Pick some fresh rose hips from your garden or purchase them at your local farmers market (in season from September through November). Rinse them well and pat dry before proceeding with the drying process. Here are three easy ways to dry rose hips for tea and other homemade treats.
It's best to pick enough rose hips from wild roses (from your own garden or purchased at your farmers market), where you can make a few cups of tea or other tasty treats like jams and syrups starting with a couple of cups.
Once you've harvested your rose hips, rinse them in a colander or salad spinner, spread them out on a dish towel to dry, and remove any stems or leaves.
How to dry in a dehydrator
First things first: find a dehydrator. I have a box-style dehydrator, and a stackable drier but they're not too expensive to buy if you don't already have one. They're worth it—you can use them for all kinds of stuff!
Once your dehydrator is set up, it's time to start drying!
Place your rose hips on a tray and spread them out in a single layer—this will help them dry evenly. Set the temperature to 95 degrees F (or 41 degrees C).
Dry for about 24 hours, turning the rose hips over every 2 hours to ensure even drying. Remove from the tray when fully dry and store until ready for use.
How to oven dry rose hips
Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature to dry rose hips in an oven. Place rose hips on a baking tray. Place in the range for about until they are completely dried and not bendable, which will take 3-4 hours.
Leave to cool completely before storing in an airtight container until ready for use (see 'Storage' below). Store cooled rose hips in an airtight container (in glass is ideal) out of direct sunlight, or refrigerate them if you don't plan on using them within six months so they stay fresh longer.
how to air dry
The easiest method is air drying at room temperature. Though it's less consistent and is the longest. Let them dry. Lay your rose hips on a tray in a single layer lined with parchment or wax paper. Ensure they aren't touching each other while they dry out—this will help prevent mold growth later! Leave them in direct sunlight until completely dry and hard.
How to Make Tea with Dried Rose hips
Start the process by adding 1 tablespoon of dried rose hips into a mug or teacup. Add boiling water to your mug and cover the rose hips.
Let them steep for 15-30 minutes. Then, strain the pulp using a strainer or tea bag, and enjoy! For a stronger brew, use 2 tablespoons of dried rose hips instead of 1 tablespoon. You can also add honey or sugar if you want to sweeten your tea cup.
How to Make Tea with Fresh Rosehips
In addition to drying rose hips, you can make tea with your fresh rose hips. The ration tart with ¼ whole rose hips to one cup of water.
Heat your water in a teapot or tea kettle to boiling. Once at a boil, add your rose hips to your tea kettle, then cover. Let them steep for up to 30 minutes.
Feel free to keep them whole-no need to remove seeds or cut them up. After 30 minutes, taste your tea, and if it's to your liking, strain out the fruit, then add your desired sweetener (I like adding little honey) and serve.
Other uses for wild rose hips
Have you brewed your cup of rosehip tea yet? If so, you're probably wondering what else you can do with the fruit of the rose plant. I've got some suggestions for you:
Fruit leather is a great snack when you're on the go and want something healthy without having to cook. You can make it with any fruit, but rosehips are particularly delicious because they contain high amounts of vitamin C.
Rosehip jam is made with fresh or dried rosehips and sugar—that's it! It's a delicious way to enjoy this superfood in a whole new way. You can use this jam in other recipes like muffins or bread or spread it on toast for breakfast instead of marmalade or jelly (if you're not allergic).
And finally… Rose hip syrup! This one makes a delicious addition to cakes, cocktails, or other sweet dishes.
An added bonus! While it's not truly edible, making rosehip oil is a great winter addition to your herbal beauty cabinet and is great for your skin.
Storage Tips
Once you've made your rose hips tea, it is important to store the dried rose hips in an airtight container–I usually use a mason jar! Keep the container away from heat and light, in a dark, cool place.
FAQ
Yes! Rose hips are late-season fruit of the rose plant and are a great source of vitamin C. They can be eaten raw or cooked.
Rose hips are ready to harvest when they look like little balls with a stalk in the middle. You'll know they're ripe because they'll be bright red and slightly soft to the touch.
You can recognize a ripe rosehip's red color and round shape. If you don't have any ripe ones growing where you live, they're often sold at farmers' markets or grocery stores in fall and winter.
To dry your rose hips at home, cut off any stalks and wash them thoroughly, removing any leaves or stems. Then lay them out on paper towels or dish towels until they're completely dry, which can day days to weeks, depending on inside temperatures. Once they are dry, store them in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid until you're ready to use them (up to 6 months!)
Yes! You can eat them raw - just wash them first and scrape out the tiny hairs that cling to the seeds. Those may irritate your throat.
📖 Recipe
Dried Rose Hips
Drying rose hips is a fantastic way to make your own herbal tea. It's easy, it's cheap, and it's a great way to use up those extra hips you've got in the garden.
Ingredients
Dried Rose Hips
- 2 cups of whole rose hips
Dried Rose hip Tea for One
- 1 teaspoon of dried and ground rose hips
- 1 cup of hot water
- honey or preferred sweetener to taste
Instructions
Drying Rose Hips in a Dehydrator
Place your rose hips on a tray and spread them out in a single layer—this will help them dry evenly. Set the temperature to 95 degrees F (or 41 degrees C).
Dry for about 24 hours, turning the rose hips over every 2 hours to ensure even drying. Remove from the tray when fully dry and store until ready for use.
Oven Dried Rose Hips
Air Dried Rose Hips
To air dry rose hips, place them one by one on a screen or paper towels in a well-ventilated area. They can take up to a couple of weeks to dry. They're done when they are brittle and feel dry to the touch.
Dried Rose Hip Tea
Start the process by adding 1 tablespoon of dried rose hips into a mug or teacup. Add boiling water to your mug and cover the rose hips.
Let them steep for 15-30 minutes. Then, strain the pulp using a strainer or tea bag, and enjoy! For a stronger brew, use 2 tablespoons of dried rose hips instead of 1 tablespoon. You can also add honey or sugar if you want to sweeten your tea.
Notes
Store cooled rose hips in an airtight container (in glass is ideal) out of direct sunlight, or refrigerate them if you don't plan on using them within six months so they stay fresh longer.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 18Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
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