How to Harvest and Use Rose Hips

Rose hips are the small red fruits left behind after wild and garden roses bloom. They are a popular autumn harvest across Canada.

When to pick

Pick when they are bright red and slightly soft, often after the first frost. Choose plants that you can identify with confidence, away from roads and sprayed areas, and follow local rules on picking.

Preparing them

Trim both ends. The fine hairs inside can irritate your mouth and throat, so cut the hips open and scrape them out, or strain liquids through a fine cloth.

Ways to use them

Dry for tea
Simmer for syrup
Make jelly

This guide is general information, not medical advice.