Rosaceae

Rosa Rugosa

A family reunion of the rose family would be a splendid occasion. No doubt you've been introduced to a lot of the family already, for the geneology of rosaceae is large. The family tree includes apples, cherries, peaches, plums, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries as well as all types of rose. Lesser known relations are meadowsweet and hawthorn. You can recognise them by their leaves, which are described as pinnate.

Wanting to explore this connection in a culinary way, John has come up with a sumptuous recipe of strawberries in rugosa. And the kinship between the rose and the strawberry makes for a pedigree pairing.

Strawberries in Rugosa Syrup

half cup sugar
half cup water
300g strawberries
rugosa petals

Put the sugar and water into a saucepan and heat, whilst stirring to dissolve the sugar. When the sugar is dissolved add the strawberries. Bring to the boil, turn off the heat and add the rugosa petals. Place the lid on the saucepan and leave for a few minutes until the petals wilt.

Serve with porridge or yogurt or ice cream.

Next year, I'll pickle the rugosa in vinegar for four weeks - but I've left it too late this year. You need to do it when the flowers first blossom.