I'm always delighted when I'm with someone who stumbles on rose hips for the first time. I suppose we don't see them very often because we've become obsessed with deadheading and repeat blooming.
The orange-red berries are a startling discovery. Many people don't realize how closely related roses and apples are until they see what look like crab apple clusters hanging from their rose bushes. I've even seen them mistaken for cherry tomatoes. Thank goodness tomatoes don't have thorns.
Rose hips aren't just lovely to behold, they taste pretty darn good too. And they're surprisingly easy to use in everything from tea to soup to dessert. If you're reading this thinking, What are rose hips?, I'll tell you... And if you find some in your garden, here's a quick recipe to whip up your own rose hip tea. (Grand Marnier optional.)
Photo: © Marie Iannotti
Comments
Very interesting. I’ve heard of rose hips, but I have never actually seen them. Thanks for sharing this tidbit!
Thanks Marie-
Rosehips are so high in Vitamin C, too. They taste really tart and yummy. When dried they are wonderful in any tea blend. Great stuff.
Amy
Actually roses don’t have thorns, they have prickles. Totally took me by surprise but I’ve been doing research. Just thought this might be something interesting for you to know.
Amanda is absolutely right. Apparently thorns are out growths of branches and prickles are out growths of the epidermis. Kind of like the difference between bones and skin. I did not know this.
Prickles break off more easily than thorns, but they can still be sharp.