Rose Hips

Now that summer is over and the blooms are mostly all faded here in on Long Island, its time to look for the natural beauty elsewhere. I found it the other day in rose hips.

Rose hips are the fruit of the rose bush after the bloom has died. Most people cut off spent flowers and therefore don't ever get to see the rose hips, but when left untouched, the rose bush can turn into a real beauty late in the season.

Apparently the tastiest rose hips come from the Rugosa Rose. And I read online that rose hips have a tangy, fruity flavor similar to that of cranberries. The fruits are best harvested after the first frost, which makes them turn bright red and slightly soft.

I have had rose hip tea and found it to be fruity and pleasant but have never eaten them in any form (jams or sauces). Have you? What do you think?

Personally, I'm just glad my neighbor didn't prune his rose bushes this year so I could enjoy the gorgeous hips that have formed. Thanks neighbor!