Rose hips jam

[E34-3.2]

Hello fellow foodies,

Quick question for the connoisseurs.

As a kid we used to pick up Rose hips (cynorhodon or poil a gratter we called them) so my mum could make jams. We generally waited late October early November so they got a bit softer (especially after a frost). As I grew up abroad I understand varieties might differ from what I am used to.

I found a lot of them around the corner. Do you guys wait the first frost to harvest them? Are the ones below edible? generally they all are - we used to say, but the yield will differ depending on the variety. Can you help?







Thank you!

[oddman]

I think a lot will depend on the weather in the coming weeks. They turn and get black spots when it gets damp. I was in Devon last week and the sloes were really well on and looked ready to pick. It's been a very good summer for wild fruit and much earlier ripening.

One thing you could do is make a small test batch and see how it goes or make some rose hip syrup. If you're looking for a natural setting agent, a few crab apples will do it.

[E34-3.2]

oddman said:

I think a lot will depend on the weather in the coming weeks. They turn and get black spots when it gets damp. I was in Devon last week and the sloes were really well on and looked ready to pick. It's been a very good summer for wild fruit and much earlier ripening.

One thing you could do is make a small test batch and see how it goes or make some rose hip syrup. If you're looking for a natural setting agent, a few crab apples will do it.

Thanks Oddman,

Indeed, looks like the summer has been good for wild berries. I might try to freeze them first to bring a bit more sweetness. Apples is definitely a yes for my recipe. I will add an orange to it as well.

Waiting a bit longer to forage sloes (thousands along the roads where I cycle!):

[dickymint]

Don't know about jam but when we were kids the seeds were great for stuffing down your mates shirt

[Mobile Chicane]

I would say that if if you can squish them between a thumb and finger and a bit of skin slips off, they're ready.

No need to harvest early, as you'll most likely be the only one picking them. Unlike sloes, where the hedges are stripped as soon as they turn blue.

[E34-3.2]

Mobile Chicane said:

I would say that if if you can squish them between a thumb and finger and a bit of skin slips off, they're ready.

No need to harvest early, as you'll most likely be the only one picking them. Unlike sloes, where the hedges are stripped as soon as they turn blue.

Yes, that make sense. We used to wait until slightly soft. I think it was around November time.

I am amazed that people can pick up sloes in September. They are as hard as wood! Maybe for sloe olives...i'll try.

Just finished all my blackberry jams! Yohoo! Going to do more apple jellies and butternut jam.