Allow the roses to die naturally on the bush and rose hips will form. They will start out green and turn to yellow, then red. Harvest them when they become completely red, after a frost. They should be soft but not mushy. Break the stems off as you pick them.

Spread the hips out and allow them to partially dry, where you can still remove the seeds, but they are no longer pulpy inside. When the skins begin to feel shriveled, you need to separate the seeds from the fruit. Cut the hip in half and scrape away the seeds. You may want to use something such as a chopstick or other blunt ended tool to help do this. After removing the seeds, allow the hips to dry completely before storing. Keep them in small, sealed plastic bags. They will keep indefinitely in the freezer or for several months in the refrigerator.

Rose Hip Tea:

Crush 1 cup of dried rose hips and place into a covered container. Add one tsp. to 1 cup of boiling water. Brew for 3-5 minutes. Sweeten as desired.

You can also use 3-4 fresh rose hips that have been chopped. Add the boiling water and brew as usual. Some people like a very strong tea-you can brew up to 30 minutes and reheat the tea if necessary before sweetening.

Rose Hip Eye Treatment

Steep a cup of strong rose hip tea. You can make the tea with your own with rose hips or use store-bought. Do make sure it's strong. Soak 2 cotton balls in the tea or use 2 tea bags, lie down and place over your eyes.

More on Rose Hips

Rose Hip Marmalade