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There’s been a small rumbling of colds through Baldwins over the last week or two, I blame the seasonal change (and possibly the immune-testing petri dish that is the London transport system!).
We at Baldwins are well armed (and well stocked!) to fend off such viral invasions though, and we do so by improving our Immune systems with the power of nature.
Our visiting Medical Herbalist Amanda Rew shared this great Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall recipe for……..

Rosehip Syrup

Diluted with about five parts cold water (or to taste), it makes a delicious cordial drink packed with Vitamin C to help boost your immune system.
For a sore throat/cough/cold remedy – add fresh ginger, lemon and hot water and drink frequently thoughout the day.  You could also get a bit tropical and add some dried hibiscusfor a tasty change!

You Will Need:

  • 1kg rosehips, washed and chopped (You can also use dried rosehips but you may need to experiment with amounts, why not head out for an Autumn walk and forage them fresh from the bushes though?)
  • 1kg Caster Sugar
  • A Jelly-bag or some Mulsin Cloth and a sieve
  • Some delicious Aqua, fresh from the tap…
Rosehip syrup recipe

The method:

  • Put two litres of water in a large pan and bring to the boil.
  • Throw in the chopped rosehips, bring back to the boil, then remove from the heat, cover and leave to infuse for half an hour, stirring from time to time.
  • Strain the mixture through a jelly bag. (Alternatively, line a colander or sieve with a couple of layers of muslin and place over a large bowl. Tip in the rosehip mixture, and leave suspended over the bowl.)
  • Set the strained juice aside and transfer the rosehip pulp back to the saucepan, along with another litre of boiling water.
  • Bring to the boil, remove from the heat, infuse for another half an hour and strain as before.
  • Discard the pulp and combine the two lots of strained juice in a clean pan. Bring to the boil, and boil until the volume has decreased by half. Remove from the heat.
  • Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Return to the stove, bring to the boil and boil hard for five minutes. Pour into warmed, sterilised jars or bottles and seal.
Keep it in the fridge and it should last a while (until you’ve guzzled it all that is!).
Dilute to taste with fresh water and keep that immune system topped up!