What is rosehip, this forgotten fruit?
Rosehip is the fruit of the rosehip tree, also known as the wild rose bush. Also called “rosehip”, rosehip is a small red berry found on the edge of meadows or forests. It is commonly used for the preparation of detox herbal teas or food supplements. Although this small, marble-sized fruit is conspicuous by its absence on market stalls, its existence remains important in the field of medicinal herbs. For good reason, rose hips are a mine of vitamin C, antioxidants and fatty acids essential for the proper functioning of the body.
A rosehip is richer in vitamin C than an orange
If rosehip is popular in natural medicinal solutions, this is due to its vitamin C content, estimated at 426mg per 100g. Compared to the average 50mg of vitamin C contained in 100g of oranges or lemon, rosehip sets all records. It is therefore not surprising that this small fruit is mainly used in herbal teas, juices and syrups. An excellent way to fight against flu-like illnesses, strengthen your immune system and give yourself a boost of energy. Be careful, however, if you decide to harvest the rosehip yourself at the edge of the forest, pick it with caution. Birds love it, so avoid picking up contaminated fruit.
Distinguish rosehip from poisonous berries
The shape of the rose hip is round, even oval, and its color varies from bright red to orange depending on its degree of maturity. Be careful not to confuse it with another type of berry: toxic berries. These concern holly, holly and honeysuckle. All three are small, round, red and found on bushes at the edge of the forest. Rosehip also bears a striking resemblance to cenelle, the fruit of the hawthorn, a harmless fruit.
To ensure that the berries we see along the trails during our Sunday walk are indeed rose hips, there are two distinctive indicators: their texture, which is slightly rough (unlike toxic berries whose texture is rather smooth); and their small seeds, present inside (and non-existent in toxic berries).
If in doubt about the identification of rosehip, it is best to seek the advice of a local botanical expert or pharmacy. Remember, it is essential to exercise caution when picking wild berries. The toxicity of some can be fatal.
