Elderberry, Wild Rose Hip, and Chia Preserves
It’s Wild Rose Hip season here in northern California. These beautiful bright fruits are decorating the green leafy roses where blossoms once were. Did you know that one cup has as much Vitamin C as 40 oranges…Wow! Because of the high vitamin C content they are an excellent immune system booster, and are often used as a supplement to prevent or treat a cold.. Rose hips also have a high vitamin A content. Vitamin A is commonly referred to as the “skin vitamin” which regenerates skin cells, healing wounds and scars. It also helps to keep the skin elastic and nourished.
My good friend who is an Herbalist gave me some wild harvested dried elderberries. Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, to improve vision, to boost the immune system, to improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections. Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. Elderberries are tasty and power packed with nutrients and immune support.
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Recipe for Elderberry, Wild Rose Hip, and Chia Preserves
1 cup dried elderberries
1 cup fresh wild rose hips, washed, seeded and split Just enough unsweetened apple cider to cover the rose hips and elderberries. 2-3 tablespoons of chia seeds 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped honey or maple syrup to taste (optional) |
- Cover elderberries and rose hips in apple cider and leave overnight (12 hours or so)
- Puree berries with the cider & vanilla seeds
- Stir in chia seeds and honey
- Chill for 2 hours
Keeps in the refrigerator for two weeks. Enjoy on buttered toast, goat cheese, yogurt or add to oatmeal or smoothies for an extra immunity boost.
Rose hips and elderberries are two delicious ways to support your family’s health!
Rose hip tea is wonderful as well. Here is a link to an easy recipe from Green Renaissance : Click Here for the Rose Hip Tea Video
