Uses for Rose Hips

Rose hips are the fruit or seed pod of the rose. They are from the apple or crab-apple family. They are not seen as much in modern rose gardens as pruning is done to encourage more rose blooms. Some think of rose hips as ornamental, but it is quite edible and contains more vitamin C than citrus fruit. The seeds are also edible and contain vitamins and trace minerals, but are quite prickley and hard to digest. So it is best to remove the seeds before using. Rose hips can be used in jams, jellies, tea and syrups as well as medicine. In the 1940’s it was discovered after children in Britain that chewed on the rosehips in their gardens were healthier than other children. This was during the second world war when citrus fruit was hard to come by. Vitamin C can help prevent many diseases and rose hips are now being used to treat the symtoms of arthritis. The best time to pick the fruit is after the first frost which occurs in central Canada in early fall and later in other climates. Rugosa roses and wild roses produce the most rose hips and care should be taken to pick only ones that have not had pesticides sprayed on them. The fruit is a little sweeter after the first frost and should be dried before making tea. Some add the dried hips to regular tea with spices and honey. The tradional way is dried rose hips simmered in water and strained than honey added this is great for treating cold as well. Please check out these links for more info: http://www.naturalnews.com/034794_rose_hips_vitamin_C_osteoarth

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