[JulieS]

I have a huge rose 'hedge' which has had beautiful flowers on, it now has the most amazing bright red large hips.

I seem to remember when I was little having rosehip syrup (am I showing my age now???).

Does anyone know if you can use any rose hips, or only specific ones? Don't want to poison anyone!

And if I can use them, any ideas for recipes or things to do with them?

All suggestions gratefully received.

[carl]

The very same thing came up in conversation yesterday. A friend had loads of rosehips about to be available and wanted ideas on what to do with them. I could remember rosehip syrup being dispensed by my mother as a form of vitamin supplement. I hope someone knows some recipes for rosehips. Jelly? Jam? Booze? Syrup?

[doganjo]

I asked the same question last year - apparently none are poisonous but some are bitter. So they can't be eaten raw but I think I googled rose hips for information.

[HappyHippy]

Hugh made rosehip syrup on River cottage,
here's the receipe
http://www.channel4.com/food/recipes/chefs/hugh-fearnley-whittingstall/rosehip_syrup_p_1.html

[JulieS]

That's great, many thanks HappyHippy.  Looks lovely....Like the idea of the cocktail on there too 

[HappyHippy]

Yup, me too !
I'm going to raid the hedge tomorrow 

[Greenerlife]

I made some last year - it's lovely stirred into porridge, and also just stirred into hot water for a drink.  I have never used the really big hips that you speak of, but a friend has done and is doing that right now!  I would think that they just have more waste in the pippy bit than the smaller ones, but she swears that they are just as tasty.  I think I did the recipe from Richard Mabey's book "Food for Free" which was a war time recipe.

[JulieS]

Fantastic.

My jam making pan and equipment arrived yesterday.  So will pick a load of rosehips today and let you know how I get on.