Rosehips

The family Rosaceae is a name that indicates a fraternity of clan of species and a myriad of hybrids. The rosehips grow on the rose plant as an accessory fruit. Their colors range from deep orange to bright red. They impart somewhat hibiscus-like tangy taste.

Prehistorically, rosehips were used in various chunks of Switzerland for making jams. The ancient Romans used it to cure dog bites, rabies, toothache, epilepsy, kidney diseases, and even dysentery.

Some old nations still use rosehips in different culinary preparations. Some novel studies and trials indicate the presence of loads of Vitamin C in rosehips which makes it fruitful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, boosting the immune system, and encouraging the metabolism of fat.

Rosehips also render antioxidant activity and fight against free radicals to reduce oxidative stress. Rosehips protect against scurvy, facilitate neurotransmission, ward off urinary tract infections, relieve headache, treat severe constipation, rejuvenate the skin, and make up for iron  loss during menstruation. 

There is no such thing that rosehips cannot cater to. They are now reported for being highly potent at dealing with osteoarthritis as they protect the joints and connective tissues.

Rose is a very easy plant to care for. It can be grown indoors and outdoors by either starting with seeds or bare roots. The plantation of rose is usually done in spring to give the roots some time to establish before winter as it becomes dormant during this season. It can also be planted in early fall.

Rose seeds require stratification before being subjected to the pot or garden bed whereas bare roots need to be soaked in water overnight before seeking plantation.  The plant requires 6 to 8 hours of full sun exposure and fertile soil with good drainage.

In a hot and dry climate, the plant is watered regularly but in humid zones, two inches of water a week is enough.

Rose plant grows from the seeds, growing bigger and bigger with sprouted thorns which aid in hanging from any surface in its vicinity. From spring to summer, the buds appear that turn into flowers for celebrating the reproduction of roses.

The rose flowers attract insects, birds, and other pollinating agents to help with pollination in return for sugary nectar. After pollination, the flower begins to wither and its petals fall off. The receptacle swells up after withering and turns red to be called rosehip. The rosehips bear seeds that are dispersed by animals.

The seeds within the rosehips promise the perpetuation of the lifecycle of the rose plant.

Rosehips are harvested in autumn in the late noon to avoid dew causing molds. The rosehips should be orange or red in color at the time of harvest.

Rosehips are harvested by twisting and tugging the fruit or just cutting the stems over which they are present.

Rosehips are dehydrated in a dehydrator or sundried until they are hard. They are then coarsely chopped and transferred to an airtight container.

Rosehips are great to use in plenty of sweet treats like jellies, soups, sauces, and seasonings. They are also employed in formulating various medicinal preparations for treating many ailments.

• Tincture - Infuse dried rosehips in grain alcohol for 4 to 6 weeks. Strain the liquid and place it in a dark and dry place.
• Tea - fresh or dried rosehips are chopped and left in hot boiling water to make rosehips tea.
• Decoction - Dried rosehips are allowed to simmer with water on low flame for 5 to 6 hours to make rosehips decoctions.
• Salve - Rosehip oil is used with other essential oils and beeswax to make rosehips salve.
• Syrup - Dried or fresh rosehips are boiled with a sugar solution to form rosehips syrup.
• Infused oil - Dried rosehips are allowed to sit in olive oil for 2 to 3 weeks to produce rosehips-infused oil.

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