Recipe for Rose Hip Syrup

Wait to harvest the dog rose hips until after the first frost to increase their sweetness, vitamin C content, and medicinal properties. Rose hips are very high in Vitamin C—about 20 times that of an orange.

This recipe is for an oxymel, an ancient remedy (oxy = vinegar and mel= = honey). 

Fill a jar three-quarters full of washed rose hips, add ginger (to taste) and a cinnamon stick, cover with raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and cover the mixture with parchment paper.  Store in a cool place for 4-8 weeks.  Strain through a fine sieve or muslin, and then add honey to taste (about half the proportion of the vinegar).  Add to water to make a flavoured tea, add to sparkling water or salad dressings, or just take a teaspoonful or more daily.  This recipe is never heated, so it retains all of its potency.