99 WORDS...AND A LITTLE BIT MORE
I have not always been this colour. As a matter fact, I’ve not always been this shape. But as the seasons progress here in the back country, both change. My top hat becomes pink and smells pretty. Within its centre rests a dustings of pollen for the bees. When my aromatic hat is finished showing off and feeding bugs, it leaves on the wind. The important one, that’s Me, transitions into winter garb. My once green topcoat becomes vibrant hues before the snow flies. I am ready for whatever comes my way. I am rose hip. I am red.
   |    |
Wild roses grow everywhere in our part of the world. Their perfume-like aroma gives them away, as does the colour of their seed pods in the fall. Either way, they are beautiful.
It is true, rose hips will show up in a variety of colours, but I am drawn to the red ones, just because I am.
Once we have our first frost, the pods are ready for picking, if the birds and bears haven’t beat you to it. They are one of the best sources of vitamin C and make great jelly.
The recipe I’m including here came to me on a scrap of paper from a friend who said she’d received it from her grandmother.
It is true, rose hips will show up in a variety of colours, but I am drawn to the red ones, just because I am.
Once we have our first frost, the pods are ready for picking, if the birds and bears haven’t beat you to it. They are one of the best sources of vitamin C and make great jelly.
The recipe I’m including here came to me on a scrap of paper from a friend who said she’d received it from her grandmother.
Rose Hip Jelly
- Lots of Rose Hips
- Wash rose hips quickly in warm water. Cover with water and boil until soft (about 1 ½ hours). Adding water to keep berries covered.
- Put berries through a sieve to remove seeds. Measure pulp.
- Add 2/3 cup sugar for each cup of pulp AND one package of pectin for each 4 cups of pulp.
- Bring to a hard boil and continue boiling for one minute.
- Place in small-sterilized jars and seal.
- The original recipe calls for melted wax to seal. The modern metal lid and ring sealing process works too.
- Use your brand choice of pectin. I like to use liquid.
- Consider the amount of rose hips needed may not be what you can harvest. I suggest cooking and pushing the berries through a sieve with however many berries picked. Then measure the pulp into 1 cup measurements and freeze until you have the remaining amount needed.
| Ann Edall-Robson Author, Photographer, Lover of Life "Capturing moments others may never get to experience.” |
#AnnEdallRobson #FromWhereICome #99WordStories #FlashFiction #ranchtradition #writingprompt #beautybeyondthegrave #geneaolgy #familyhistory #rosehip #rosehipjelly #familytradition #CapturingMomentsOthersMayNeverGetToExperience #TheOldWays #RuralLiving #WhoaBackUpStop #AnnEdallRobsonPhotography
January 2, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the color red. It can be a descriptor, a setting, a character, or a metaphor. How far can you get in a story by expanding “red”? Go where the prompt leads!
RSS Feed