Rosehip Vitamin C Gummies

With the temperature dropping and the nights are longer, there’s no denying that winter is finally here. And during this colder season, stress and strain also increase on our immune system. Having enough Vitamin C during the colder season can help boost the immune system and fight the common cold and flu. So let us try to make our own rosehip vitamin C gummies at home. Kids will surely love these treats, and you won’t have a hard time having their daily vitamin C intake.

Ingredients

For the Gummies

1/3 cup orange juice

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp unflavored gelatin

2 tbsp rosehip tincture

For the Rosehip Tincture

1 cup dried rosehips

1/4 cup boiling water

3/4 cup vodka, at least 80 proof (40% alcohol) or Glycerin

Supplies

One quart-size glass canning jar with lid

dark bottle to store finished tincture

small saucepan

candy molds or shallow pan

Instructions

To make the rosehip tincture

1. Place rosehips in a canning jar.
2. Pour over the boiling water, pressing down on the herbs to make sure they are well soaked.
3. Once the herbs are saturated, fluff them up again with a fork so the alcohol can penetrate every nook and cranny around the herbs.
4. Pour the alcohol over the herbs and cover tightly.
5. Let sit in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, shaking gently every day or two, and for up to six months. The longer you let sit, the stronger and more potent the tincture will be.
6. After 2+ weeks, strain out the herbs – squeezing or pressing on them to extract all the liquid – and pour the tincture into dark bottles to store. Label well. Store in the refrigerator for up to six months.

To make the gummies

1. Set out candy molds or a shallow pan and have them at the ready.
2. Place the juice and honey in a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin over. Let stand 2-3 minutes.
3. Place the pan over low heat and heat until gelatin is completely dissolved, 5-6 minutes. The liquid should be just slightly warm to the touch, and you shouldn’t feel any granules between your fingers when you rub the mixture between your thumb and forefinger.
4. Stir in the rosehip tincture, then pour immediately into the prepared molds.
5. Set aside at room temperature for 2-3 hours, then pop the gummies out (if in the molds) or cut the sticky mixture into squares (if in a pan), and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Hints, Tips, and Substitutions

Rosehips are prized as one of the densest sources of Vitamin C in the plant world. Rosehips vary widely in their concentration according to where they were grown, how they were dried, and how they were tinctured. Still, the rosehips in this recipe provide approximately 100-150mg of vitamin C per batch. To calculate roughly how much vitamin C is in each gummy, divide 125mg by however many equal pieces your pack makes.

Please take note that making the tincture takes at least two weeks. Rosehip tincture is also available at some health food stores if you desire to make the gummies more quickly.

Also, take note, especially if you have other iron-related disorders, that vitamin C in rosehip can increase your iron absorption and worsen your condition if not handled with caution.

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Burlington, Vermont