If jam could be romantic, this rose hip jam (or syrup) definitely hits the mark. Rose hip is a colorful winter fruit that is bright, tart, and packed full of vitamin C – the perfect gift to warm up a chilly Valentine’s Day!
Not only is this recipe tasty, it is also extremely effective in treating a variety of health concerns, from respiratory illnesses to cholesterol, digestion to immune system-boosting, skin to bone health. Some of the beneficial components of rose hips include vitamins A, B-complex, C, and E, calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, silicon, zinc, pectin, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein. It also contains antioxidant components that make this jam the ultimate healthy snack!
This recipe makes about 2 ½ to 3 cups jam or syrup.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup dried rose hips (without seeds or fuzz – no one wants that in their jam)
- 3 cups apple juice
- ½ cup honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup rose water
Directions:
Using a non-reactive pan, combine the rose hips and apple juice; cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, put the mixture on the stove and bring it to a boil.
Remove from the heat and puree the mixture in a blender until smooth. Strain out any stray seeds or chunks and return to the pan.
Add in the honey and lemon juice and stir. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency (thicker for jam, thinner for syrup). Add the rose water last and gently mix in.