Rose hip

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The rose hip, also called the rose haw, is the pomaceous fruit of the rose plant. It is typically red to orange but may be 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. Rose hip soup is especially popular in Sweden. Rhodomel, a type of mead, is made with rose hips.

1 Health benefits
2 Usage
- 2.1 Usage by Native Indians
- 2.2 Use in World War II
3 External links

[edit] 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 a herbal remedy, rosehips are attributed with the ability to prevent urinary bladder infections, and assist in treating dizziness and headaches. Rosehips are also commonly used externally in oil form to restore firmness to skin by nourishing and astringing tissue[1].

[edit] Usage

Rosehip is used for the creation of herbal tea, jam, jelly, syrup, beverages, pies, bread and marmalade, amongst others.

[edit] Usage by Native Indians

Rosehip was a plant that was used in many food preparations by Native Indians.

[edit] Use in World War II

During World War II, 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.