Rosehip

Rose hip refers to the fruit of the rose plant, produced by many species in the genus Rosa after flowering. The hip is an accessory fleshy fruit formed from the enlarged receptacle (hypanthium) that surrounds the seeds. It contains a central mass of small seeds and fine hairs. Hips are typically red or orange in many species, though some cultivated varieties may be yellow, purple, or black. Sizes commonly range from about 1 to 3 centimeters in diameter.

Rose hips grow on woody, thorny deciduous shrubs found in temperate regions around the world. The plants have pinnate leaves with multiple leaflets and produce showy flowers followed by fruit that ripens in late summer to autumn. Common wild hips originate from species such as Rosa canina (dog rose) and Rosa rugosa, among others. The hips persist after the petals fall and are often harvested in late summer or autumn for culinary or medicinal use.

Rose hips are valued for their nutritional content, especially vitamin C, and for their polyphenols and carotenoids. They are used in foods and herbal preparations, including teas, jams, jellies, syrups, and liqueurs. Preparation typically involves cleaning the hips to remove the calyx and seeds; the inner hairs can irritate the mouth or digestive tract, so many recipes strain or remove them. Dried hips store well and are a common ingredient in traditional herbal teas and beverages, imparting a tart, fragrant flavor. Rose hips are harvested from both wild and cultivated roses and are enjoyed for both culinary and medicinal purposes.