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Rose hips are among the most valuable fruits of autumn. We find them almost everywhere – on the edges of roads, in field margins and in gardens. People have used them since ancient times to strengthen immunity, treat colds and as a base for teas, jams or syrups. However, to preserve the maximum of active substances, it is important to know when to harvest rose hips and how to dry them properly.
When is the best time to harvest rose hips?
Harvesting rose hips depends on the variety and location. In warmer areas the first fruits ripen as early as the end of August, in higher elevations usually in September and October. Ideal are firm, deep orange to red rose hips that are not wilted or too soft.
It is often said that it is better to pick rose hips after the first frosts because they supposedly contain more vitamin C. In reality this is a myth – frost reduces the vitamin content. What is true, however, is that a light frost intensifies the sweetness of the fruits, and therefore such rose hips are more suitable for jam or syrup. On the other hand, for drying rose hips the best are firm and hard fruits that have not been damaged by frost.
How to recognize rose hips suitable for drying
- must be firm and shiny,
- color deep orange to red,
- must not be brown or black,
- must not be mushy – this indicates frost damage or rot.
If you want to use rose hips mainly for tea, always pick them before the first hard frosts arrive.
How to dry rose hips correctly
Drying is key so that rose hips retain as many vitamins and medicinal substances as possible. The correct procedure is as follows:
- Cleaning – remove the stalks and calyxes from the rose hips, inspect them and remove damaged or worm-eaten pieces.
- Pre-drying in the oven – spread the rose hips on a baking tray in a single layer and dry for several hours in the oven at around 70 °C with the door slightly ajar.
- Final drying – when the fruits are semi-dry, move them to a ventilated room or onto a radiator and finish drying at a lower temperature.
- Result – properly dried rose hips are hard, retain their original color and are not brown or black.
How to store rose hips
Store dried rose hips in well-sealed glass containers or tin boxes. It is important that they are kept dry and in the dark – light and humidity reduce the vitamin content. Stored this way they can easily last you a whole year.
Why it’s worth harvesting rose hips
- belong to the richest natural sources of vitamin C,
- strengthen the immune system,
- act against colds and flu,
- have antioxidant effects,
- support vascular and digestive health.
Summary
Harvesting rose hips is one of the traditional autumn activities worth adding to your calendar. If you gather them in time and dry them correctly, you will have a supply of valuable fruits full of vitamins and minerals all year round. Drying rose hips is a simple process, but you need to monitor the temperature and the quality of the fruits so that they retain their healing power.
👉 Next time you see a bush laden with ripe rose hips, don’t hesitate and stock up for the winter – your health will thank you.
