Rosehip - Definition and Overview

Rosehips, also called rose haws are the fruit of the rose plant, particularly wild roses that form at the base of the flower, typically red to orange but dark purple to black in some species.

Rose hips of some species, especially Rosa canina (Dog Rose), have been used as a source of Vitamin C. Rosehips are commonly used as a herbal tea, often blended with hibiscus and as an oil. They can also be used to make jam, jelly and marmalade.

Health benefits

• Particularly high in Vitamin C, with about 1700-2000 mg per 100 g in the dried product, one of the richest plant sources.
• Contain vitamins A, D and E, and antioxidant flavonoids
• As an herbal remedy, rosehips are attributed with the ability to prevent urinary bladder infections, and assist in treating dizziness and headaches.

Use in second world war

During the Second world war British school children were given the job of collecting rosehips from hedgerows. These were converted into Rosehip syrup, a source of vitamin C. This was to replace the imported oranges that were being denied by the German U boat blockade of Britain in the Battle of the Atlantic.