From Scandinavia to Italy, rose hips shine brightly along roadsides this time of year, boasting rich shades of orange and red. These fruits, which grow on wild rose bushes, are much more than colorful splashes in the autumn landscape, however. They are considered a true European superfood. So, what do they contain, and how can they be used? BILD: Pixabay

Rosehip harvesting and processing

The best time to collect them depends on the region and variety. It is usually between September and November, but sometimes as late as February. After that, however, the fruits begin to dry out. Wearing gloves is recommended when picking them because their fine hairs can cause itching. Also, be careful not to harvest all the fruits because they are an important food source for many species of birds in winter.

After picking, wash the rose hips thoroughly. You can cut them in half and remove the seeds, but this is not essential since the seeds contain valuable omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Rose hips are particularly popular as a base for jam, tea, or rose hip soup.

Drying and preservation

They take around eight to twelve hours at a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius in the oven or dehydrator. Higher temperatures destroy heat-sensitive vitamins, especially vitamin C, which is abundant in this fruit.

However, air-drying or drying them on a radiator is more sustainable and gentle. Although this method takes several days, it preserves the nutrient content better and doesn’t consume any energy. Important: Turn them regularly to prevent mold from forming.

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, the dried fruit will keep for several months.

Making the most of dried rose hips — from tea to decoration

Dried rose hips have many uses: they can be made into tea, added to smoothies, sprinkled on cereal, or eaten as a snack. When ground, they produce an aromatic powder that works well in sauces and savory dishes.

If you prefer decorating to cooking, the bright red fruits make beautiful additions to autumnal bouquets or winter arrangements.