Rosehip is known to many people as a miracle cure for strengthening the immune system. But in order to enjoy the drink from the fruits of this plant all year round, you need to dry them properly, and then store them, observing some subtleties.
Why is rosehip useful?
Rosehip is a real record holder for the content of vitamin C in fruits, therefore, its value is great as a means of preventing and treating colds. In addition, rose hips have bactericidal and regenerating properties due to the content of vitamins A and E in fruits, which makes it a real multivitamin product.
Many micro and macro elements contained in berries help to strengthen blood vessels, which has a beneficial effect on the state of the cardiovascular system. It also has a positive effect on the joints, especially during periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases. Rosehip is also known for its effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract: digestion improves, toxins and toxins are removed from the body. Rosehip broth is a dietary product, because its calorie content is only 44 kcal per one glass of drink.
However, you need to be careful with this medicinal plant. It is not recommended to drink it too often, otherwise all its positive properties will turn against the body. In addition, people with any chronic or acute illness should consult a doctor before drinking this herb on a regular basis.
If you follow a small dosage and monitor the state of your body, rose hips can be of great benefit to you. The most ordinary-looking plant will help to cope with colds and viruses. You just need to know some tricks and conditions when drying, storing and brewing rose hips.
How to prepare fruits for drying
Properly dried rose hips contain exactly the same amount of vitamins as fresh fruits, and it will be stored many times longer. Collect wild or domestic rose hips, or buy them from the market, making sure the fruits are bright and smooth. The optimal time for harvesting and buying crops is in September-early October, before the first frost. If the temperature drops below zero, the rosehip loses many beneficial properties.
Go through the rose hips and remove any dark, rotten, or dry fruits, then start drying. You do not need to wash it, because it will be much more difficult to dry wet fruits, so rinse them in portions just before brewing. You can dry a plant in three simple ways: by drying in the open air, in the oven or in a special electric dryer.
How to dry rose hips at room temperature
The main rule when drying outside or in a room is that direct sunlight should not fall on the rosehip! They destroy vitamins and greatly reduce the benefits of the finished broth. Choose a shaded, well-ventilated, dry place to dry your plant.
In this method, it is most effective to use a grid or lattice as a plane, on top of which paper or fabric should be laid. Spread the fruits in one layer on the prepared surface and stir them periodically. This will circulate the air around the rose hips from all sides, and it will dry out faster. But you can cope with an ordinary metal baking sheet, only you will have to mix the berries as often as possible. After 2-3 weeks, start checking the readiness of the rose hips.
How to dry rose hips in the oven
In the oven, the rosehip will be ready much faster than in the fresh air, but the temperature must also be selected correctly so as not to burn it. Place baking paper on a baking sheet. Put fresh rose hips on top in one layer. Put them in the oven, preheated to 40 degrees Celsius, for 30 minutes, then increase the temperature to 50 degrees, after another half an hour - to 60. Such a gentle and gradual increase in temperature will preserve the maximum amount of vitamins.
Open the door as often as possible, or better - leave it slightly ajar so that the evaporating moisture does not linger in the oven. Remember to stir the rose hips periodically. Dry fruits will be ready in about 7-8 hours.
How to dry rose hips in an electric dryer
It is easiest to make dry rose hips in an electric dryer, because a dehydrator practically does not require any human participation in this process. True, drying at the minimum temperature will take about 10-12 hours, but you can be absolutely sure that the rose hips are ready, and you will not need to mix it.
How to store rose hips correctly
Dried rose hips still need good air circulation, so tight glass and plastic containers and plastic bags are not suitable for storing them. The most ideal option is to place the berries in a cloth bag and put them in a dark, dry, ventilated place. In addition, you can put the fruits in a spacious glass jar, but replace the lid with a cloth, tying it with an elastic band or thread.
How to cook rosehip decoction
The most common mistake when preparing rosehip decoction is using boiling water to brew the fruit. Freshly boiled water at one moment can destroy almost all vitamin C. After boiling, the water should be cooled for about 10-15 minutes so that its temperature drops to 70-80 degrees.
The classic recipe for the decoction is as follows: take dry rose hips in proportions of 40 grams per 1.5 liters of water. Rinse them thoroughly and put them in a quality thermos that can hold heat for at least 7-8 hours. Pour the rose hips with slightly cooled hot water, close the lid tightly and let the drink brew overnight. The finished broth can be slightly sweetened with honey, this will only increase its benefits.
