Rich in vitamin C, rose hips contain 50% more vitamin C than oranges! One tablespoon of rosehip pulp fills the recommended daily intake of 60 milligrams of vitamin C. Rose hips can be used for a variety of purposes such as for medicine, jams/jellies, decorations, tea, and skincare. (*Only consume rose hips grown organically—never those sprayed with chemicals, particularly systemic chemicals)

One way to utilize the health benefits of rose hips is to make rose hip tea. It is a simple process once the rose hips have been dried. If you plan on harvesting your own rose hips there are a few steps to follow, harvesting, preparation, drying and dehydration.

Step 1: It is best to pick the rose hips in the winter because there is more flavor in the hips after the first frost.

Step 2: To prepare the hips, slice the hips in half and gut them of the seeds.

Step 3: After they have been gutted and rinsed off with water, there are two options to dry them. The first option is to place the rosehips in the oven on low for three and a half hours, take out and place in an airtight container and store in a cool dark place for about a week before using for tea. The second option is to use a food dehydrator. Place the hips in layers, leave in the dehydrator until they are bone dry, set in an airtight container, and store in a refrigerator or freezer.

Step 4: Put 4 tablespoons of whole dried rose hips into a warmed teapot. Pour boiling water over the rose hips, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Now, enjoy your delicately tangy beverage while reaping medicinal benefits. For extra sweetness, add a dash of honey.