Rose Hips (Rosa canina)

Dried rose hips, the fruit of the wild rose (most commonly Rosa canina, the dog rose). After the rose flower blooms and falls, the calyx develops into a swollen orange-red fruit (the "hip") that contains the seeds. Rose hips are remarkably high in vitamin C and have a long tradition of use as a daily vitamin C source, particularly in winter when fresh fruit was scarce.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Rosa canina (most commonly; other Rosa species also used)

Family

Rosaceae

Common names

Rose Hip, Rose Haw, Dog Rose Hip

Vitamin C content

Among the highest of any plant material (substantially more by weight than citrus)

Other compounds

Carotenoids, flavonoids, pectin, vitamin A and E

Common uses

Tea, syrup, jelly, wine, vitamin C supplement

What are Rose Hips?

Rose hips are the swollen fruit-like structures that develop on rose plants after the flowers wither and fall. They have an intensely tart-sweet flavor with a distinct rose-fruit character. During World War II in Britain, when citrus imports were curtailed, rose hips were officially collected from wild hedgerows and processed into rose hip syrup as a vitamin C source for children - a notable example of the plant's nutritional value.

How to Use Rose Hips

For tea: simmer 1-2 teaspoons of dried hips in 8 oz water for 10-15 minutes (rose hips need a real simmer, not just a steep, to extract their compounds). Strain. For syrup, simmer hips with water and sugar; strain and bottle. For jelly preparations, combine with pectin or include in mixed berry jellies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much vitamin C do rose hips contain?
Among the highest of any plant material; substantially more by weight than citrus fruit.

What's the British WWII rose hip syrup story?
During WWII, citrus imports were curtailed; the British government officially collected wild rose hips and processed them into syrup as a vitamin C source for children.

What do rose hips taste like?
Tart-sweet with a distinct rose-fruit character.

Do I need to remove the seeds?
For tea, no; for jelly or syrup, the strain step removes seeds and any irritating fibers.

Can I cook with rose hips?
Yes; rose hips work in syrups, jellies, soups, and as a vitamin-rich addition to mixed-fruit preparations.

Is the vitamin C destroyed by drying?
Some vitamin C is lost in drying; substantial amounts remain in properly dried rose hips.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.