How to Clean Rose Hips

Overview

Roses are distantly related to apple trees, so it should come as no surprise that rose bushes produce a fruit. This fruit, called rose hips, is rich in vitamin C. Unlike apples, rose hips require some preparation before they are consumed. Rose hips can be made into teas, syrups, jams and jellies. However, before rose hips can be turned into edible food, they must first be cleaned.

Step 1

Select rose hips that are ripe by noting their color. Orange rose hips are under-ripe. Bright-red rose hips are too ripe. A ripe rose hip will be an orange-red color. Wear gloves to protect from thorns.

Step 2

Cut the stem off of the rose hip using a knife and a cutting board.

Step 3

Slice the rose hip in half.

Step 4

Scrape the inside of the rose hip with a knife to remove the seeds and hairs (known as pith).