Rosehip

Cynorhodon

What it is

Britain’s Ministry of Health launched a national rosehip collection in 1941 once the sea blockade had cut off citrus; schoolchildren and rural institutes brought in 200 tons that first year, turned into some 600,000 bottles of syrup. The same hips are the original itching powder — the hairs packed around the seeds are the reason for both.

In the kitchen

Top, tail and simmer them whole, then pass through a fine sieve twice: the second pass is what strips out the irritant hairs, and skipping it is the classic mistake. They set on their own pectin, so add none.

Goes with

White sugar Lemon Apple Vanilla Honey Cinnamon Redcurrant Star anise

Same species

Dried rosebuds Chinese rose wine Rose water

Also used with

Cascara

In season alongside

Blueberry Lingonberry Blackberry Cantaloupe melon Cherimoya Cornelian cherry

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