Savouring Rituals: From Coffee to Wild Rosehip Syrup and a mindfulness exercise
Mindfulness in the wild and in the kitchen
It is December. The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and it is dark, wet—and, well, it’s cold. Cold outside, and often cold inside too, so a hot beverage feels like a blessing. If you’re like me, the temptation is to rush and make a quick cup of coffee. I love Turkish coffee, but sometimes laziness kicks in, and I settle for a cup of instant coffee.
OK, I used to—until about a month ago. Nowadays, I’m retraining myself to choose quality over quantity, to take the time and make the whole process of coffee preparation a ritual, just as it used to be back in Romania or during my travels in the Middle East.
Have you noticed how convenience has destroyed rituals? It has stripped away the magic, leaving behind only a shell without the essence.
Think about coffee shops and their offerings today. What most of us consider "coffee" is often so far removed from its original significance that it’s almost unrecognizable.
But today is not about coffee. Today, we’re talking about rosehip syrup.
In my part of the world, you can harvest rosehips from the wild—a true blessing. I must admit, though, that this year it was harder to find them compared to last year. Why? I’m not sure, but I’ve noticed the difference.
Thankfully, I’ve developed the habit of always carrying a plastic bag with me. Slowly but surely, over a couple of months, I managed to collect one rosehip at a time, store them in the freezer until I had a couple of kilograms. The beauty of rosehips is that you can wash them, freeze them, and use as needed, even if you don’t want to use them from fresh.
ROSEHIP SYRUP - PREPARE IT YOURSELF
I have already covered the rosehip properties in previous blog posts but I will summarise again. So, why rosehip? Because is:
Rich in Vitamin C:
Rosehip syrup is an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, enhances skin health, and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Contains Antioxidants:
Loaded with flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols, rosehip syrup helps fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Provides Essential Nutrients:
Contains vitamins A, E, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
High in Fiber (from whole rosehips):
Promotes healthy digestion and gut health.
Health Benefits:
Immune Support:
Vitamin C helps the body fight infections and recover faster from illnesses like colds and flu.
Anti-inflammatory Effects:
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce symptoms of arthritis and joint pain.
Skin Health:
Promotes collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and aids in healing scars and wounds.
Digestive Aid:
Stimulates digestion and can help alleviate constipation.
Heart Health:
The flavonoids in rosehip syrup contribute to cardiovascular health by supporting healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Anti-aging Properties:
Antioxidants help combat free radicals, reducing signs of aging like wrinkles and dull skin.
Back in Russia, foraging is almost a national sport, so to speak. My relatives knew exactly the best time to harvest mushrooms, fruits of the forest, and so on. Rosehips, of course, were at the top of the list, and I remember seeing huge glass jars in the podval, stored for the winter. To say that food in those times was natural would be an understatement. Whatever they couldn’t grow themselves at the dachas, harvest from the forest, or buy from a farm was purchased from the shops. I have to say, it was a very good balance. Nothing in excess and everything in moderation made them all look younger than their age.
Ingredients:
1 kg (2.2 lbs) fresh rosehips
1.5 liters (6 cups) water
500-700 g (2.5-3.5 cups) sugar
Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rosehips:
Rinse the rosehips thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
Trim the stems and flower ends.
(Optional) Chop the rosehips roughly or blitz them briefly in a food processor to release more flavor and nutrients.
2. Simmer the Rosehips:
Bring 1 liter (4 cups) of water to a boil in a large pot.
Add the rosehips to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20–30 minutes until the rosehips soften.
Mash the rosehips with a potato masher or spoon to extract their juices.
3. Strain the Mixture:
Pour the mixture through a fine sieve or muslin cloth into a large bowl to separate the liquid from the solids.
For maximum extraction, press the rosehips in the sieve or squeeze the cloth.
Return the rosehip pulp to the pot, add the remaining 500 ml (2 cups) of water, and repeat the process to extract more juice.
4. Sweeten and Simmer:
Combine the strained liquid and sugar in the pot. Adjust sugar based on taste preference.
Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil, as this can reduce the vitamin C content.
Add lemon juice if using, and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
5. Bottle and Store:
Pour the hot syrup into sterilized bottles or jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal immediately.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or in a cool, dark place if properly sealed.
6. Freeze and use with hot water
Pour the cooled syrup into ice cube trays (see the video above).
The next day, remove the frozen cubes from the tray and store them in plastic bags.
Keep them in the freezer and use as needed.
Depending on your taste preference, add one or two cubes to a glass of hot water.
AN EXERCISE IN MINDFULNESS
Please remember that you can turn the entire preparation process into an exercise in mindfulness. Start with picking the fruits, continue with washing them, and take a moment to feel the sensations. Touch the berries and notice their texture, colors, and smell.
I remember taking part in an NLP course some years ago, and one of the exercises — a classic one — involved closing our eyes, opening one hand, and trying to touch and describe what we felt when an object was placed in our palm by the course leader. We had no idea what it was. Well, it turned out to be a raisin. Many participants found this exercise enlightening.
Try applying this exercise while handling the rosehips. Notice their shiny skin, the shapes that are similar yet uniquely different. Pay attention to their texture and the firmness of their skin.
If you freeze them, you’ll have another opportunity to observe how their texture, shape, and feel change.
This entire process takes about an hour. It’s a wonderful chance to slow down, be present, connect with nature, and create something with your own hands — something that will nurture and nourish both you and your family.
TRUST ME, YOU CAN DO IT!
Remember to use the magic ingredient when you cook—love. It changes everything, not just the taste.
Until next time, be well!
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Rosehips - stories and more
