Wild food
Rosehip Protein Balls
No-bake energy balls made with foraged rosehips, oats and seeds. Sweet, chewy and built for a winter walk.
9 September 2026 5 min read Serves 12
Foraging notes
Dried rosehips gathered after the first frost from sunny hedgerows, or food-grade dried rosehips.
Rosehips are the hedgerow's winter sweet. Wait until after the first frost, then gather the brightest hips from open, unsprayed ground.
These balls come together in one bowl, need no baking, and keep in the fridge for a week. They are the right kind of fuel for a cold morning.
Best months
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 handfuls of dried rosehips
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup raisins
Method
Soften the rosehips
If the rosehips are hard, cover them with just-boiled water and leave for 10 minutes. Drain well and chop roughly.
Mix the dry ingredients
Stir the oats, flaxseed, chia seeds, cinnamon, raisins and chopped rosehips together in a large bowl.
Bind with butter and honey
Melt the butter gently with the honey and vanilla, then pour over the oat mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Shape and chill
Press the mixture into 12 firm balls with damp hands. Chill on a plate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Kitchen tip: Roll the finished balls in extra oats or desiccated coconut for a less sticky lunchbox treat.
