Wild Rose Hips
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Wild Rose hips are the buds that remain on wild rose flowers after their bloom falls away. They have a deep red color and an oblong shape, though the shape, color, and size of Wild Rose hips will vary depending on the variety of rose plants they are foraged from. The berry-like Wild Rose hips are filled with small, hard seeds covered with fine hairs. These hairs can irritate the mouth and digestive tract but when properly ripe, they should be less aggravating. The hips have a sweet, citrusy, and almost cranberry-like taste. When underripe, they are firm and tart.
Seasons/Availability
Wild Rose hips are available during fall and winter.
Current Facts
The botanical name for Wild Rose hips is Rosa canina, which is part of the Rosaceae family. The Latin name Rosa Canina translates to Dog Rose, likely a reference to Rose hip's usage as a treatment for dog bites. Other names for this fruit include Haws, Dog Brier, and Brier Rose. Though Wild Rose hips have culinary value, they have been used for their medicinal benefits since the times of the ancient Chinese, Persians, and Greeks. American Indian tribes and Ancient Romans were also known to use Wild Rose hips to treat respiratory infections, stomach issues, and toothaches. Rose hips are the fruit of the rose flower and in some cultures, symbolize true love and adoration.
Nutritional Value
Rose hips are a significant source of Vitamin C, providing 200% of the daily recommended amount per ounce. This vitamin is important for immune function, skin health, and protection against free radicals. Rose hips contain Vitamin A, which helps with vision, reproductive health, and bone growth. They are a source of folate, calcium, and magnesium, nutrients crucial to cell growth, muscle function, nerve transmission, energy production, and regulating blood sugar levels. Rose hips contain carotenoids like beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. These carotenoids protect against age-related macular degeneration and promote heart health. Rose hips are commonly turned into oils for skincare products like soap, face serum, and lip balm. Their moisturizing properties have led to their use in products for reducing scarring, wrinkles, and signs of aging. The medicinal and therapeutic benefits of rose hips can be enjoyed through herbal teas, syrups, and infusions with honey, oil, vinegar, and alcohol.
Applications
Wild Rose hips can be eaten raw, dried, or boiled. They can also be made into teas, candies, juice, jelly, and wine. The hollow fruit can be dried for tea, mashed or blended, and added to a sugar mixture for jellies or syrup. The seeds can be dried, ground, and added to granola. Fresh Rose hips can be eaten on their own or sprinkled into salads. In their dried form, they may be incorporated into baked goods like cookies, macaroons, meringues, tarts, donuts, bread, and muffins. They can be enjoyed in frozen yogurt, ice cream, chia seed pudding, soups, barbeque sauces, and ketchup. To prepare, cut away the small nub at the tip where the flower was attached and gently squeeze to expel the seeds. The hips can also be cut in half and the seeds can be removed using a small paring knife or butter knife. Rose hips pair well with cranberries, strawberries, crabapples, honey, apples, almonds, walnuts, and shortbread.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The British kept this fruit in their pharmacopeia well into the 1930s. During World War II, Rose hip syrup became a popular substance for British soldiers. Citizens were encouraged to gather Rose hips for the syrup to be sent to troops, particularly during the winter when citrus fruit was scarce. This syrup was used as an alternative to citrus because of its high Vitamin C and iron content, nutrients that could greatly benefit soldiers suffering from diseases like scurvy.
Geography/History
Wild Rose hips are native to Europe and Asia. They can be found growing on the east and west coasts of the United States, Europe, Britain, northwest Africa, western Asia, Australia, and northern Canada. Wild Rose hips grow in temperate climates with loamy soils and plentiful sun exposure. They can be found in disturbed areas, fields, thickets, woodlands, roadsides, trails, and Coastal areas. Though appreciated since ancient times, the medicinal values of Rose hips have been increasingly used in health supplements, essential oils, and skincare products in the modern day. Wild rose hips can be found through foraging, cultivated in home gardens, or obtained as a byproduct for health and skincare products at specialty stores.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Wild Rose Hips. One
is easiest, three is harder.
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