November 26, 1999

     Rose Hips Plentiful this Time of Year

Wild roses thrive throughout Minnesota, especially near streams and lakes, in grassy roadsides, near fences, on the edges of woods, in rocky areas and along railroad lines.  Shrubs range in height from 18 inches to 5 feet and often form brier patches.  The hips are easy to pick because they are usually away from the thorns.  Rose hips are quite plentiful, so late fall and early winter forage trips should be worthwhile.

Rose hips make an excellent survival food.  They are rich in vitamin C and a source of iron, calcium, and phosphorus.  Three rose hips, according to some food experts, have as much vitamin C as an orange.

In England during World War II, about 5 million pounds of rose hips were gathered from the roadsides and preserved to take the place of the scarce citrus fruits.  Dried and powdered, rose hips are sold in Scandinavian countries and elsewhere to use in soups, for sprinkling over cereals and for mixing in milk or water to make hot and cold drinks.  Rose hips are cousins of the apple and nutritious whether eaten off the shrubs, cut up in salads, baked in breads or cake or boiled into jam or jelly.