MAKING ROSE HIP SYRUP

This is another of Sof McVeigh's recipe's from her book 'Treat Yourself Natural'. It is so quick and easy, very seasonal and ridiculously good for you!

Rose hips are fruit from the common wild dog rose, they contain high amounts of vitamin C, which make them ideal for helping to fight off colds and winter bugs. If you're not lucky enough to have your own like we are you can start growing some or perhaps buy some, I know you can get dried ones but not sure about fresh.

You will need:

1 small cereal bowl of fresh rose hips to make 500ml of syrup.

1 litre water to cover rose hips

100g caster sugar

small pan

sieve lined with muslin (I used a clean dishcloth)

clean bottle or jar

1. Shake out your collected rose hips, put them in a pan and cover them with water.

2. Bring to the boil then reduce heat and leave simmering for half an hour periodically mashing them with a fork or potato masher to release the goodness, and topping up with water if you need to.

3. Drain the mixture into a clean pan through a sieve lined with muslin or in my case a clean dishcloth, squeezing out all the juice you can. Keep the liquid and discard the rose hips.

4. Add the caster sugar and gently heat again to dissolve all the sugar

5. Pour the syrup into a small bottle or jar and take one or two teaspoons a day throughout the coming months. 

I personally add it to my green tea or porridge in the morning. It can be taken by itself or with anything else you can think of!

How blimmin' easy was that? Let me know if you make it.

Have a nice day!