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There is so much to know and love about rosehips, they are such a versatile addition to your pantry and a staple in our house for our make your own tea bar.

Here's what you might not know about rosehips;

Nutritional Benefits: Rosehips are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are particularly known for their high vitamin C content, which is significantly higher than in many citrus fruits. This makes them excellent for supporting the immune system. Additionally, they contain vitamins A, D, and E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.

Health Benefits: Due to their nutrient richness, rosehips have several health benefits. They're known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with arthritis and joint pain. The antioxidants in rosehips can aid in skin health, potentially improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. Some studies also suggest benefits in improving cardiovascular health and regulating blood sugar levels.

Culinary Uses: Rosehips are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They can be used to make herbal teas, jams, jellies, syrups, and soups. Their tangy, slightly sweet flavor makes them a unique ingredient for various culinary experiments. Informing your customers about these uses can inspire them to try rosehips in their cooking.

Recipe to try

A traditional Scandinavian dish that highlights the unique flavor of rosehips. This soup can be served as a warm comfort food during cooler months or as a chilled dessert in summer.

Rosehip Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried rosehips
• 4 cups water
• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rosehips: Rinse the dried rosehips in cold water. If they are whole, cut them in half and remove the seeds. This can be a bit tedious, but it's worth the effort for the smooth texture.
2. Cook the Rosehips: In a large saucepan, combine the rosehips, water, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rosehips are soft and have released their color.
3. Blend and Strain: Remove the cinnamon stick. Use a blender or a food processor to puree the mixture until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine sieve to remove any remaining seeds and skins, returning the liquid to the saucepan.
4. Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a smooth paste. Add this to the rosehip mixture in the saucepan. Add the lemon zest and sugar. Bring the soup to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary.
5. Serve: The soup can be served either warm or cold. For a warm version, serve it in bowls. If serving cold, let the soup cool and then refrigerate it. Serve chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
6. Garnish: Garnish with a little lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

Herbal Remedies and Beauty Products: Beyond culinary uses, rosehips are popular in herbal remedies and beauty products. They can be used in homemade skin care treatments due to their skin-nourishing properties.

Cultural and Historical Significance: They have been used for centuries in various cultures for their medicinal and nutritional properties.

Many cultures have benefited from rosehips from the Romans and Greeks to European countries, particularly in Scandinavia and the UK, rosehips have a long-standing place in folk medicine and cuisine. During World War II, when citrus fruits were scarce in Britain, the government encouraged the collection of rosehips to make syrup as a vitamin C supplement. This historical context highlights the importance of rosehips as a nutritional resource in times of scarcity.  Various Native American tribes have used rosehips consuming them for their nutritional value, used in teas as remedies for colds and flu, and applied in salves for skin ailments. This traditional use underscores the fruit's versatility and longstanding importance in natural medicine.

Rosehips are having a resurgence in popularity within the natural health and wellness community and it's no wonder why.

Like most of the plants that we sell they aren't just wonderful for humans they are also beneficial to our fury family.

Giving rosehips to your pets, such as dogs and horses, for joint pain relief is based on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of rosehips. The primary mechanism by which rosehips help in alleviating joint pain and improving joint health involves several key components:

1. Vitamin C: Rosehips are a rich source of Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant. In the body, Vitamin C contributes to collagen synthesis, which is crucial for joint health. Collagen is a primary component of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the joints. Adequate Vitamin C can help maintain the integrity of cartilage, potentially slowing the progression of joint wear and tear.
2. Galactolipids: Rosehips contain a specific type of fat called galactolipids (GOPO), which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a major contributor to joint pain, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis. By reducing inflammation, galactolipids can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility.
3. Polyphenols and Flavonoids: These are other types of antioxidants present in rosehips. They help in combating oxidative stress within the body, which can contribute to the degradation of joint tissues. By reducing oxidative stress, these compounds can help in maintaining joint health.
4. Reducing Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory effect is not only beneficial for the joints but also for the surrounding tissues. Inflammation can cause swelling and pain, and by reducing it, rosehips can provide relief to pets suffering from joint-related discomfort.
5. Immune System Modulation: Rosehips have properties that can modulate the immune system, potentially reducing the overactivity that can lead to joint inflammation and pain.

We offer rosehips in a number of forms from fine cut granules to whole shells cut as well as we mill fresh the granules to produce a beautiful powder that can be added to smoothies, dressings, soups, stews or jams.  A beautiful addition to your skincare products as well.

Before starting any new supplement for you or a pet, it's always best to consult with a professional. They can provide guidance on the appropriate type and dosages to use.