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Buying Rosehip Tea

Rosehips are the pods that form at the base of the rose flower, so don't get confused with rose petals or leaves. Sometimes they are called rose haws as well. Many varieties of roses form hips, particularly wild roses (Rosa rugosa). Within the little red-orange globe are the rose seeds.

From a health perspective, they are best known for their high content of vitamin C. There is approximately 1,700 mg of C in 100 gm of dried rosehip. That's a heck of a lot more than what's in an orange.

Native Americans have been using rosehips as tea for thousands of years, and when the tea is finished, the hips were added to stews or soups. There was just too much nutrition in a rosehip to let it go to waste.

To make tea with whole rosehips, you'll need around 5 of them per cup of water (or 2 teaspoons, if you are using pieces). If you are using the whole hips, make sure to steep for at least 10 minutes. You can purchase rosehip tea in bags containing crushed pieces of the pod. Rosehips are often included in herbal blends (especially hibiscus), but can be purchased on their own. Rosehip tea has a tangy, tart flavour and a pinkish colour.