Gems of Autumn...

Nature provides us, with plenty healthy herbs or berries at all times.

The arch of rosehip on sunny October day and the smell of autumn is beautiful...

When I found this bush full of rosehip, I instantly felt happy, that I can pick something and store it for cold wintery days, just like squirrels do ;D

   

Unbelievable how these blackberries are still fighting for attention ...They are doing well, still growing strong.

But today, I am after this beauties. Rosehip , quite big. Nice :D The season for Rosehip is between September and end of October. I always thought, that Rosehip, that was frosted and nicely softened is the best value, but I am wrong. Aberryntly ;) the best quality Rosehip is picked still hard. That is when it has the most vitamin C in it. I did well then, picking it at the right time.

At home in the evening, with some music and candle burning vanilla esences I have got as a present from Ginger for my Birthday. Lovely atmosphere am cutting Rosehip. It is quite hard, so next time I will try to get a grinder suitable for this Toughies.

Here I am drying them on very low heat like 100-120 C in the oven. I leave it for about 10 min. and always keep checking after that...it can take longer then 1/2 an hour...depending how much Rosehip you cut up. It should look dry but not burned!! After working so hard, getting them of spiky tree and cutting them for so long, last thing you need is to burn them ;) ..After taking them out of the oven, you can leave them on the table for another day or two, to make sure, they dried properly and then they are ready for a jar. 

  The Recipes how to use Rosehip are on their way...
First go and get them ready ;D .

Ps:) Am very sorry , for not blogging for some time...I am not feeling too good at the moment.
Hope to get in touch soon.

Vanilla xx