“Let food be your medicine.” Hippocrates
I was introduced to rose hip as an edible part of the plant in a chateu in France. I was invited there for a family member’s wedding and I was walking around the chateu when I saw a row of big rose bushes full of beautiful red rose hips. When I asked, I was told that French chefs use them in their cuisine. I became curious and I found out that there are specific roses that produce the best edible hips. The next time I encountered this accessory fruit was when my son took me to a shop in NYC full of dried fruits and nuts. They had candied rose hips that were chewy with a hint of rose water flavor. They were very expensive, but tasted out of this world! So, I bought some for tea companion, but tried not to go through them fast. Then I decided to make my own candied rose hip. So, we bought two rose bushes just for their hips and planted them in our garden. One was eaten by a deer and the other is thriving.
You can make rose hip tea and it can be candied or be used in jam, jelly, syrup, wine, bread, and pastries. Rose hip has healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin C. It also has anti-inflammatory effects without the side effect of causing ulcers. It lowers blood sugar and prevents formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which cause heart disease. Before using this beautiful ingredient, like everything else that you use for the first time, make sure you aren’t allergic to it.
“Let’s always eat and drink healthful food and beverages and do it in moderation.” Dr. Sii
Si'Mama Cafe 