Rosehip paste

Rosehip Paste: The Sweet Delight of Nature

Rosehip paste is a natural delicacy, full of flavor and color, that brings a touch of summer into every jar. This recipe is not only simple but also packed with nutrients, and rosehips are known for their rich content of vitamin C and antioxidants. Moreover, it is an excellent recipe for those who love to preserve seasonal fruits and enjoy their flavors throughout the year.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15-75 minutes
Number of servings: 5-6 jars

Ingredients:
- 2 kg of ripe, healthy rosehips, but not soft
- 1 kg of sugar
- juice of one lemon

Step 1: Preparing the fruits
Start by washing the rosehips well. Use cold water and rinse them several times to remove any impurities. Cut off the ends of each fruit as they can add an unpleasant taste. This step is crucial to ensure you get a smooth and delicious paste.

Step 2: Boiling
After washing the fruits, place them in a large pot and add cold water, so they are covered by about 2-3 cm of water. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 45 minutes from the first boil. It is important to check the consistency of the fruits: crush one fruit with the back of a spoon. If it crushes easily, it is ready. If not, add more water and let it boil for another 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Collecting the paste
After boiling, drain the water in which the rosehips were cooked. Place two sieves on top of each other: the top one with larger holes and the bottom one with smaller holes. Use the back of a spoon to mash the fruits. The skins will remain in the first sieve, and then mash the rest in the fine sieve. The goal is to obtain a smooth and homogeneous paste.

Step 4: Obtaining the paste
After obtaining the paste, pass it through a fine sieve. If the paste is too thick, you can add a little of the drained water to dilute it. This step will ensure a pleasant consistency that is easy to spread.

Step 5: Final boiling
Add the obtained paste back into the pot, along with the drained water from boiling. Then, add the sugar and boil the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency. It is essential to stir constantly to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Adding lemon
Finally, add the lemon juice. This will not only enhance the flavor of the paste but will also give it a beautiful color. The lemon adds a touch of acidity that will balance the sweetness of the sugar, making the paste more flavorful.

Step 7: Storage
Once the paste is ready, pour it hot into sterilized jars. Seal with screw caps and cover the jars with a thick blanket to cool slowly. This process helps maintain the flavors and prevent oxidation. Once completely cooled, store them in the pantry.

Serving suggestions
Rosehip paste is extremely versatile. You can use it as a filling for pancakes, pastries, or delicious jellies. It is also fantastic on toast or as a topping for yogurt. You can play with recipes and combine it with other fruits or flavors, such as cinnamon or ginger, to give it a new taste.

Nutritional benefits
Rosehips are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system, and have antioxidant properties that can help protect the body from aging and diseases. Additionally, this paste is an excellent way to consume seasonal fruits, preserving their flavor and nutritional benefits.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen rosehips?
Yes, you can use frozen rosehips, but it is recommended to let them thaw completely before using them.

2. How can I achieve a thicker consistency?
If you prefer a thicker paste, boil the mixture longer, being careful to stir constantly to prevent sticking.

3. What other fruits can I combine with rosehips?
You can add apples or pears to achieve a paste with a more complex flavor.

Variations
If you want a healthier version, replace the sugar with a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla extract or lemon zest for an extra taste.

Rosehip paste is not just a recipe, but an experience. It is a way to bring nature into your kitchen and create delicious memories. Whether you use it to sweeten your morning pancakes or to create elaborate desserts, this recipe will make you feel like a true culinary artist. So gather your ingredients and let the aroma of rosehips take you away!