How to Harvest and Use Rose Hips

Rose hips aren’t just the pretty leftovers after the petals fall. They might be the most underrated stars of the whole plant! These vibrant, berry-like gems are packed with benefits and deserve way more love. From harvesting to everyday uses, we’re highlighting everything that makes rose hips a natural powerhouse.

What Are Rose Hips?

Rose hips form after the last of the rose petals fall. They are considered to be the fruits of the rose plant (Rosaceae) family. They’re typically red-orange, containing numerous small, edible seeds that taste sweet and tangy.  

All roses produce them. But some species, like shrub roses (including Rosa rugosa), hybrid tea roses (Rosa carina), and wild roses, produce bigger and more flavorful fruits.    

Rose hips are coveted as a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, particularly vitamin C and antioxidants. They are also believed to have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. This makes them a popular ingredient to add to wellness products, ranging from herbal supplements to homemade rose hip tea.  

How to Harvest Rose Hips — Step-by-Step

Here’s how you can harvest rose hips:

1. Wait for the Right Time - The best time to harvest them is in late summer or early fall, ideally after a first frost. This softens their texture and brings out their natural sweetness.
2. Choose the Right Ones - Look for plump and firm fruits that are entirely orange or red, without any green remaining. Avoid picking those that are moldy, overly dark, or shriveled, as they may be past their prime.  
3. Practice Caution - Wear gardening gloves to prevent your hands from getting pricked by thorns. Also, use sharp garden shears to snip the rose hips from the plant, but leave a small bit of stem attached to the fruits. This will help keep them from drying out during storage. 
4. Rinse Thoroughly - Rinse the hips under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a clean towel to pat them dry.
5. Prepare for Use - Slice them in half, then scoop out the seeds and tiny hairs, particularly if you’re making syrups or jellies. The tiny hairs can irritate the digestive tract, so it’s best to remove them thoroughly before consumption.
6. Use Now Or Dry for Later - Use the cleaned hips to make various recipes or dry them out for later use. You can use a dehydrator for this purpose or lay the rose hips out on a clean screen or tray and leave them to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area until they become leathery.  

Ways To Use Rose Hips

These are some of the ways you can use rose hips:

1. Rosehip Tea - Tart and fruity, this tea is excellent to sip, particularly when you’re fighting a cold. Steep dried or fresh rose hips in hot water for up to 15 minutes, then flavor with lemon or honey. (Pro-Tip: You can also make an aphrodisiac tea with it!)
2. Rose Hip Syrup - Blend with sugar and water, then cook to make a flavorful syrup. This pairs well with everything, especially pancakes and cocktails. 
3. Jellies or Jams - You can also turn them into a fruity, floral spread that tastes amazing on soft cheeses or toast.
4. Supplements - You can find rosehip extract powder that you can enjoy as tea, mix into food or smoothies, or add to your skincare routine, like scrubs or masks. Some capsules are taken orally, often with meals. These may help with joint pain and inflammation, particularly those with osteoarthritis.     
5. Skincare - Using products with rosehip oil may help hydrate and nourish your skin.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

Despite their benefits, using rose hips may not be for everyone. Before heading off to start foraging rose bushes or harvesting these rose fruits, it’s best to keep these in mind:

• Interactions with Medications: Due to its high vitamin C content, using rose hips may decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, such as those used for cancer and blood clotting. Check with your doctor before consuming rose hips.
• May Cause Discomfort: Some users experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, or heartburn when consuming large doses, or concentrated rose hip supplements.
• May Cause Allergies: Some might experience allergic reactions when in contact with rose hips, particularly those with existing allergies to the Rosaceae family. If you’re using a product with rose hip, it’s best to perform a patch test to see if you’re allergic to it.
• Always Consult A Healthcare Provider: If you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s best to check with your doctor before using rose hips. Currently, there is not enough information available to determine their safety.   

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