Rosehips

Rosehips are the fruit of the common dog rose, also known as Dogberry and Witches' Briar. The hips, also referred to as haws, are the fruits of the plant, and are best when left on the stems until late fall and after the first frost. These sweet gems are deseeded to remove the tiny hairs that surround the seeds. Once dried, rosehips are suitable for use in tea blends or to use to make jams, syrups and cordials.

Tangy red Rosehips have long been used for making desserts, preserves, soups, and wines. They are well known as a source of vitamin C and flavonoids, and also contain vitamins A, D, and E, niacin, folate, zinc, magnesium, fructose, tannins, essential fatty acids, and malic acid.

Herbalists appreciate their astringent and nourishing properties, and have used them for colds, coughs, ear infections, diarrhea or constipation, colic, arthritis and gout, menstrual pain, sciatica, and kidney stones; as a tonic and mild diuretic; to calm stomach, bladder, and kidney inflammations; and to add flavor to teas and other herbal formulas.

Rosehips have a delicate, floral flavor that’s slightly sweet with a distinct tart aftertaste. Consider enjoying rosehips in a warm and calming cup of tea.

Appearance, aroma and taste profile: Bright red, chewy looking fruits. Mildly sweet. Goes well with most flowers, green teas, black teas, and mint.

Botanical Name: Rosa canina

Common Names: Dog rose, Hep tree, hip tree, wild brier, brier rose, hip fruit, Dogberry, Witches' Briar