Autumn Traditions
There is something about rosehips that makes me think of autumn.
Perhaps it is their beautiful deep red colour, on the hedgerows just as the leaves begin to turn. Or perhaps it is because, being Swedish, I have always had a particular affection for the Scandinavian tradition of making the most of what nature provides.
I didn't actually grow up in Sweden, but I have tried to keep some of those traditions alive in my own kitchen. I love to drag the kids foraging for rosehips and make my own rosehip syrup.
There is a certain amount of effort involved. The rosehips grow where they please, which means a few scratches along the way! But once you've done the gathering, I firmly believe the simplest recipe is the best.
My favourite is Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's rosehip syrup recipe. It is so simple: simmer the rosehips, strain the juice carefully, then add sugar to create a beautifully bright, fruity syrup. The recipe even involves double-straining to make sure those tiny irritating hairs found inside the rosehips are removed.
I love having a jar of it in the fridge through the colder months. It is delicious spooned over yoghurt or porridge, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful. Rosehips are naturally rich in vitamin C, the perfect boost at this time of year.
Why Rosehips?
Rosehips have been enjoyed for generations, particularly in traditional food and herbal preparations. They are naturally rich in vitamin C and contain a variety of antioxidant compounds. Some of these compounds can also be extracted into a rosehip infusion when brewed as a tea.
Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, which makes rosehip a particularly appealing ingredient as we head into the colder months. It isn't a magic cure for winter colds, of course, but I love the idea of enjoying something that feels both comforting and naturally nourishing.
Our Wild Berry Tea
Our new Wild Berry teabags combine rosehip with hibiscus, apple pieces, elderberries and orange peel, finished with natural flavouring.
The result is a deliciously fruity, vibrant cup with a gentle tartness and plenty of character. And, importantly, it is completely caffeine-free.
I am normally a loose leaf tea drinker. In fact, before we introduced our teabags, I used to make my own little teabags whenever I was travelling. I love loose leaf tea, but carrying it around with you isn't always the most practical thing.
Since we introduced our teabag range, I have become a convert when I'm away. I now travel with Rest & Restore, Vanilla Rooibos and, of course, our new Wild Berry.
There is something rather lovely about being away from home, putting the kettle on and having a tea that you know you enjoy. Somehow, it feels as though you are doing yourself a little bit of good at the same time.
For me, rosehip will always have something of a Scandinavian spirit about it. Now I can enjoy that same flavour in a cup of tea, without the scratches!
Simply boil the kettle, let the tea brew and enjoy a little taste of autumn, wherever you happen to be.
Wild Berry. A deliciously fruity, caffeine-free tea for autumn and beyond.
