Rose hip (Rosa canina)

Other names: Dog rose, Wild rose, Wild rose

Rose hip, also known as dog rose or false rose, is considered one of the most popular and widely used wild plants. It is a shrub that grows 1-3 metres tall and its branches are densely covered with sharp spines. The flowers of this plant are usually pink or white and appear from May to July. The rose hips, which are the fruit of this plant, ripen during autumn and are bright red in colour.

Rose hips are valued for their high vitamin C content, which is found in much higher concentrations in rose hips than in citrus fruits. Rosehip buds are used to make rosehip tea, which is known for its nutritional and medicinal properties and is popular for its tasty and refreshing drink. Rose hips are also used to make jams, jellies, wine and liqueurs. Dried and ground rose hips can be added to baked goods or used as a spice. The hulled seeds, called rosehip pits, are used to make rosehip oil, which is used in cosmetics excellent for regenerating and nourishing hair and skin. In medicine, rose hip is used to make various products such as ointments, creams, tinctures or syrups. In recent years, rosehip extracts are also widely used in the food industry as antioxidants.