Why not try something a little different this winter and make homemade rosehip cordial? Rosehips are packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants, making them the perfect way to stave off colds and boost your immune system. Plus, cordial tastes wonderful, is super easy to make and you can tailor it to your taste preferences. So give it a go. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
What is rosehip cordial and what are its benefits?
Rosehip cordial is a type of drink made from rosehips, the fruit of rose bushes. They contain high levels of Vitamin C, making the cordial a good immune system booster. As well as having nutritious properties, rosehip cordial also contains natural plant antioxidants that are beneficial to the heart and circulation. It can be enjoyed straight or used to elevate other drinks and dishes, making it as versatile as it is beneficial to your health.
These autumnal beauties are usually picked after the first frost when this weather change has softened them a bit. While all of the rose fruits are edible, of the Wild rose/Dog Rose ( Rosa Canina) is thought to be the most flavoursome.
How to make this rosehip syrup
Making rosehip cordial at home is surprisingly easy and rewarding! With a few simple ingredients and some kitchen equipment, you can quickly whip up a rosehip cordial recipe that’s sure to delight all your friends and family.
To start, wash and chop up the rosehips, then add to water in the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the rosehips after they have cooled and strained. Repeat the with the pulp and remaining water.
Then you measure the total strained liquid. You then use this result to calculate the proportion of sugar needed. Nezt, you add the liquid and sugar to the rinsed pan. Boil until reduced and syrupy.
Finally pour your rosehip cordial into sterilized bottles or jars ready for serving – making rosehip cordial has never been so easy!
TIPS for making homemade rosehip cordial
- You can pick and freeze the ripe, red, rose fruits until you are ready to use them.
- You can use a blender to turn the rosehips to a mush – make sure that you then strain the mixture well to remove as much sediment as possible.
- Putting the collected rosehips into the freezer overnight ahead of making the cordial will help the fruit to soften and release as much of its goodness and flavour as possible. Just make sure to thaw them ahead of starting to follow the recipe.
- Using the zest and/or the juice of half to whole medium lemon can balance out the flavours. Try a bit and then taste to see if you would like any more.
- Take the time to strain the liquid a few times to get rid of as much sediment as possible, especially to remove the fine hairs that occur naturally in rosehips. This makes for an improved visual and drinking experience.
Enjoying rosehip cordial
Rosehip cordial is a delicious, healthy and simple beverage that can be enjoyed all year round. As rosehips are in season for harvesting from November to January, this is the perfect way of utilizing their beautiful flavour in time for the festive season.
- Serve over ice cubes or enjoy a rosehip cordial spritzer using sparkling mineral water. Finish off with some edible petals to make an elegant impression at parties or dinners.
- Add to cocktails for a unique sweet flavour.
- Try drizzling it over ice cream or pancakes for a tasty treat.
- Drizzle over spicy or rich meats. Or add to a marinade or salad dressing.
- Sweeten a plain yoghurt or add to rice pudding.
- Rosehip cordial also makes a great homemade gift for friends and family.
- Have a teaspoon full, daily, on its own or in some warmed water to top up your Vitamin C and ward off colds.
Now that you know about this delicious and healthy drink, I hope you’ll try making it at home. Rosehip cordial has many benefits and can be enjoyed in several ways. You enjoyed the roses, now enjoy the benefit of the rosehips with this cordial.
Rosehip Cordial Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen scales
- Chopping board and knife
- Large saucepan
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Ladle
- Jelly bag or fine mesh strainer or colander lined with a double layer of muslin
- Funnel
- Clean, sterilised glass jars or bottles with sealable lids
Ingredients
- 500 g rosehips
- 1½ litres water
- 300 g sugar
Instructions
- Wash the rosehips well to remove any dirt or insect travellers. Allow them to drain excess water.
- Remove the rosehip stalks and discard them. Then chop up the rosehips into a pulp.Add this to your pan with 1 litre of water. Turn up the heat and bring this to a boil for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Then remove from the heat and set aside to allow the rosehips to slowly release their distinctive flavour and goodness into the water.
- Once the mixture is cool, strain the liquid – allow it to do this for 20-30min.
- Then put the pulp back into the pan with the remaining 500ml of water, bring this to a boil and then turn the heat down to a simmer for 10 min, set aside to infuse again and cool.
- Strain the mixture again, as before. Once strained, discard the rosehip pulp.
- Either wash the sieve or muslin or use another piece of double-folded muslin and strain all of the infused water again (and again if you like) to make sure that you have got rid of any small pieces or hairs that may remain and to aim for a lovely clear cordial result.
- Rinse out your preserving pan.
- Measure the amount of infused water you have, then calculate the amount of sugar needed – For every 100ml of liquid, add 50g of sugar.
- Add the liquid and sugar to your pan and slowly turn up the heat – stir to help and make sure that the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the mixture to a rapid boil for 5 minutes – this encourages it to reduce and concentrates the lovely flavour.
- Use the funnel and ladle the hot liquid into your sterilised jars or bottles and seal them.Let the cordial cool completely ahead of labelling.
- Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 months and refrigerate once opened.Your homemade rosehip cordial is now ready to enjoy!
Notes
TIPS for making homemade rosehip cordial
- You can pick and freeze the ripe, red, rose fruits until you are ready to use them.
- You can use a blender to turn the rosehips to a mush – make sure that you then strain the mixture well to remove as much sediment as possible.
- Putting the collected rosehips into the freezer overnight ahead of making the cordial will help the fruit to soften and release as much of its goodness and flavour as possible. Just make sure to thaw them ahead of starting to follow the recipe.
- Using the zest and/or the juice of half to whole medium lemon can balance out the flavours. Try a bit and then taste to see if you would like any more.
- Take the time to strain the liquid a few times to get rid of as much sediment as possible, especially to remove the fine hairs that occur naturally in rosehips. This makes for an improved visual and drinking experience.
Enjoying rosehip cordial
Rosehip cordial is a delicious, healthy and simple beverage that can be enjoyed all year round. As rosehips are in season for harvesting from November to January, rosehip cordial is the perfect way of utilizing their beautiful flavour in time for the festive season.- Serve over ice cubes or enjoy a rosehip cordial spritzer using sparkling mineral water. Finish off with some edible petals to make an elegant impression at parties or dinners.
- Add to cocktails for a unique sweet flavour.
- Try drizzling it over ice cream or pancakes for a tasty treat.
- Drizzle over spicy or rich meats. Or add to a marinade or salad dressing.
- Sweeten a plain yoghurt or add to rice pudding.
- Rosehip cordial also makes a great homemade gift for friends and family.
- Have a teaspoon full, daily, on its own or in some warmed water to top up your Vitamin C and ward off colds.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.