Rose hips Fine rose fruit botanical in gin
Rosehips, also known as rose hips, are the fruit of the rose. They can be found just below the petals on roses and contain the seeds of the rose plant. They are typically red to orange in color but can sometimes be purple or almost black in some species.
These seed holding pods begin to form after successful pollination occurs.The flowers are pollinated in the fall with rosehips beginning to form late summer through autumn.
Each rosehip contains a single seed. They are developed when stem tips swell to enclose the hairy achenes, or small one seeded fruits that do not open to release the seed. The smooth skin of the hip is first green before ripening before turning its final color.
While most roses are grown for the beauty of the flowers themselves, some species of roses are grown for their beautiful rosehips. Rosa moyesii is a species of the rose family Rosaceae that forms prominent red rosehips in the fall after flowering in the summer.
Roses have been a favorite of the garden as bar back as 2,600 BCE. In 600 BCE, Greek poet Sappho named the rose “Queen of Flowers.” In Greece and Rome, garlands of roses were used to decorate statues of gods.
Early Christians considered rosehips to be sacred, and crafted the first rosary beads from rose hips. Catholic rosaries are incorporated into worship ceremonies, giving them religious significance.
Rosehips have a range of uses. In addition to being ornamental, they were originally used most often in medicine. Most herbalists have discontinued use of rosehips or rose petals for therapeutic purposes.
These fruits can be consumed in many ways, the simplest being eaten raw like berries. The fruit does not taste like roses, but tangy, similar to a red zinger tea. They are an excellent source of vitamin C with up to 40% more vitamin C than oranges.
Rosehip tea is refreshing and full of vitamins. Rich in vitamins C, A, and K, they help boost the immune system and can help free radicals. The fruits contain lycopene which is responsible for giving these fruits their red color. This is also what gives tomatoes their red color and healthful properties. These vitamins make rosehip a beneficial ingredient in skincare products too, increasing cell turnover and decreasing dark spots.
Rosehips are best harvested right after the first frost and will typically be bright red or orange for most varieties. They are sweeter after the first frost but waiting too long will allow them to get brown spots, similar to the way bananas do.
The fruits are easy to remove from the plant with a gentle twist. It’s typically good to avoid harvesting from plants that have been treated with herbicides or pesticides unless they are organic. Picking them on a dry day will prevent molding.
Rose Hips used as botanical in Gin Distillery
Rose hips, the fruit of the rose plant, are a versatile botanical that have been used for centuries in various applications, including in gin distillation. Rose hips are known for their vibrant color and tart flavor, which adds a unique twist to the traditional botanical blend of gin. In the distillery process, rose hips are typically dried and crushed before being added to the botanical mix, where they infuse the gin with their aromatic essence.
One of the key benefits of using rose hips in gin distillation is their high concentration of vitamin C and antioxidants. This not only imparts a healthy boost to the final product, but also lends a subtle complexity to the flavor profile of the gin. The floral and slightly sweet notes of rose hips complement the other botanicals in gin, creating a well-balanced and distinctive spirit that is sure to stand out among the crowded market of craft gins.
In addition to their flavor and health benefits, rose hips also serve as a nod to tradition and history in gin making. Historically, rose hips have been used for their medicinal properties and were a staple in herbal remedies and drinks.
By incorporating rose hips into modern gin distillation, distillers are not only paying homage to the past but also adding a touch of nostalgia and sophistication to their spirits. Overall, the inclusion of rose hips in gin distillation offers a fresh perspective on traditional botanicals and showcases the endless possibilities for innovation and creativity in the craft spirits industry.
Orkney Mikkelmas Gin with Rose hips
Mikkelmas The Story
The Mikkelfeast,
or the Feast of St Michael
was traditionally celebrated by Orcadians from
the 29th Sep – 12th Oct.
This celebration marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of our long winter.
The tradition still exists today with many parishes hosting their
own Harvest Home, a traditional supper and dance that lasts long into the night.
Mikkelmas Botanicals
As the sun sets into the Autumn skies, bold, seasonal botanicals are used to capture the warming spirit of Mikkelmas in a spicy, silky smooth gin.
It is delicious served with
tonic water or ginger ale and
garnished with a slice of orange. Personally we love it as the base of a hot toddy!
Botanicals
Orange Peel
Juniper Berries
Heather Berries
Wild Rose Hips
Cinnamon
Orkney Gin
Rose Hips
Lussa Gin use Rose Hips botanical
Lussa Gin from the wilderness of the Isle of Jura
Visit one of the most remote distilleries in Scotland
Lussa Gin is made by 3 women at the far end of the Isle of Jura, using 15 botanicals they can grow or gather from the island using a unique distillation process. They started in a kitchen in 2015 with a 10 litre still and have since renovated an old stables to house Hamish, their 200 litre alembic copper pot still. They now sell across Scotland, Germany and the USA. Alicia, Claire and Georgina will happily show you around their distillery and showcase the plants they use, and of course, let you try a sample.
Lussa Gin
Rose hips
Elder Bay Blush Gin also use Rose hips Botanical
Elder Bay Blush is a delightfully refreshing craft-gin that celebrates flavours found in Devon.
Combining two gin making techniques, we first distill a London Dry Gin using vapour infusion to marry piney Juniper with our signature flavours of Elderflower and Bay Leaf, amongst others.
We then infuse this gin with Rowan Berries, Hawthorn and Rosehip adding tartness and notes of jam.
The result is a uniquely fragrant gin with a great depth of flavour that celebrates regional flavours.
Serve with lots of ice and your favourite premium tonic water.
Garnish with Strawberry.
Every 700ml bottle is numbered and signed by the distiller, and includes a pack of dehydrated garnishes.
Delivered by Royal Mail in recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
42% ABV
Thunderflower Gin
Rose Hips
Crossbill Red Dry Gin with Rose Hips
£38.95
70cl 43.8% abv
A refined yet bold multi-award winning premium gin, bursting with the freshness of the Scottish Highlands. Containing only two botanicals, Scottish Juniper and Rosehip, Crossbill is a true celebration of dry gin tradition.
We set out to create the first gin to be made with 100% Scottish Botanicals. Following a year of development, Crossbill was launched in 2013. Initially distilled in Aviemore, using hand-picked Juniper and Rosehip from the ancient Highland pine forests, before relocating to the legendary Barras in Glasgow’s East End, where we now macerate the same two fresh, hand-picked botanicals before distilling in our Copper Pot Bain Marie.
Tasting Notes
A refined yet bold gin, bursting with the freshness of the Highlands. We suggest you serve over ice, with a naturally light tonic. Squeeze a twist of orange zest on the surface to release a burst of the natural oils, then garnish with the twisted peel.
Declared Style
We produce in small batches, using only two botanicals, Juniper and Rosehip, fresh not dried, and hand-picked from the Scottish Highlands. Each batch responds to the harvest and temperature of our surroundings, giving our gin a refined yet bold taste with unequalled freshness.
Crossbill Gin
Rose Hips
