During world War 2 the citizens of Britain were asked to go out into the countryside and pick rosehips to help the war effort. Vitamin C was needed and rosehips have 20 times more than oranges. Different groups would compete with each other and this competition helped increase the stock of rosehips. The picked rosehips were made into a syrup that was subsequently sold for 1 shilling and 9 pence (8p in modern money), with proceeds helping to fund the war effort.
Rosehips can often be found in ornamental planting schemes at the edge of private housing estates. Alternatively they can be found in hedgerows, municipal parks and on waste ground. When picking rosehips be careful as the thorns can often break the skin of plastic bags. It is best to collect using tough plastic ice cream tubs. Ideally you should only pick for ones that have been softened by the frost.
There is a beautiful simplicity to this recipe and therefore anyone with hips nearby would be foolish not to give it a try. If made now it will make a great gift for valentine's day.
ROSEHIP SCHNAPPS
500g rosehips
750ml Vodka
1 tsp rosewater
Cut the stalk and ends off the rosehips and rinse. Place into clean resalable jar. Pour over vodka and leave in a cool dark place (back of a cupboard) until 13th February (or about 3 months).
Strain through a double sheet of muslin cloth into a swing top bottle and present to your beloved with a red rose.
