The potato rose (Rosa rugosa) is also known as the apple rose because of the shape and size of its fruit, or as the Kamchatka rose because of its origin. The name potato rose, on the other hand, refers to the foliage, which is very similar to potato leaves. Rosa rugosa is considered to be very robust and undemanding, and both the petals and fruits can be used in many different ways in the kitchen.
The fruits of the potato rose are edible and healthy
Fruits are particularly large and thick-fleshed
In contrast to the rather small, very hard rose hips of the native dog rose, the fruits of the potato rose, which are also edible, are spherical and very fleshy. Inside there are numerous seeds that can be removed with a spoon before processing. The first fruits develop from the very large, pink or white flowers from mid-August, which means that the potato rose is far ahead of its native relatives in terms of fruit development. The red rose hips can be processed into jelly or jam as well as rose hip wine or rose hip liqueur (using vodka or double grain), but they can also be eaten raw. The fruits contain a lot of vitamin C and are therefore very healthy.
Rosehip Jam
For rosehip jam, first wash one kilogram of rosehips and remove the stalks and blossoms. You don't need to remove the seeds, but you should cut the fruit in half. Now cook the fruit in a little apple juice until soft and puree it. Now squeeze out a lemon and boil the rosehip puree together with the lemon juice and one kilogram of preserving sugar (ratio 1:1) to make a delicious jam.
Petals can be used in many ways
The flowers of the potato rose can grow up to eight centimeters in size and appear on the bush from early summer. The simple, but very distinctive and slightly fragrant flowers can be admired not only in summer, but well into autumn. They are also edible and can e.g. for flavoring and refining various dishes and drinks.
Rose petals jelly
Soak 125 grams of freshly collected rose petals in apple juice and let them steep for at least 24 hours. Then strain the brew well and boil it with the juice of one lemon and preserving sugar (ratio 1:1) to a tasty rose petal jelly.
tips
Together with peppermint leaves and lemon balm, the petals of the potato rose make a delicious tea.