First of all: Rose hips?
Yep! These magical little fruits are what is left on the rose plant after the flower has died off. Like other fruits, they contain the plant's seeds. Most of the time we don't see the fruit because they are pruned off with the dead roses to keep our gardens looking tip top. However, if you allow the flowers to fade on their own, the rose hips will be left and can be harvested to eat. The seeds are removed and you are left with an edible fruit that can be consumed raw or dried for other medicinal and culinary uses. They have a delicious, slightly sweet, tart flavor. Best of all, they are super good for you!
- They contain tons of vitamin-C (541 mg/cup), which is excellent for our skin and for boosting the immune system as well as:
- Citric acid, malic acid and ascorbic acid
- Pectin, selenium, manganese
- Lycopene and antioxidant flavinoids
- Trace amounts of magnesium, potassium, sulfur and silicon
...Translating into these health benefits:
• stimulate circulation
• Helps to maintain a healthy digestion
• reduce inflammation and help prevent heart disease
• Prevents bladder infections
• Ease headaches and dizziness
• Anti-aging as it heals tissues and cells. It also tones organs and regenerates cells
• Calming effect, prevents stress and also acts as an anti-depressant
To reap the benefits of these magical little fruits you can make rose hip tea, simply by brewing a heaping teaspoon of dried rose hips in a cup of hot water, ooorrr you can make and enjoy this delicious rose hip jam! (Also, it is the easiest jam you will ever make. Guaranteed) (And its raw) (And its sugar-free) (Can you tell that I'm excited?) Ok, on to the "recipe" now:
Rose Hip Jam
(raw, vegan, sugar-free)
- Fill a jar half full of dried rose hips
- Fill the rest of the jar to the top with unsweetened apple juice
- Put on the lid
- Let set in refrigerator overnight or 7-8 hours
- Take off the lid, spread on some toast, and enjoy! (Or eat it by the spoonful like I did.)
If you'd like a little smoother of a texture, puree the jam in a blender or magic bullet.
You can also mix up the flavor by adding spices or extra sweeteners. (Cinnamon + Honey)
