For centuries, people have been reaching for rose hips as a natural food source. These bright red fruits from various rose varieties are absolute vitamin powerhouses. But the big question many gardeners ask is: are they actually edible?
Rose Hips: A Tasty Superfood
The fruits of the rose are actually delicious “aggregate fruits,” famous for their unique shape and incredible nutrient profile. The pulp and mash are packed with Vitamin C—we’re talking about 1,250 mg per 100g! On top of that, they’re loaded with Vitamins B1 and B2.
Because of this, rose hips are a fantastic addition to your diet and great for your health. Depending on when you pick them, the flavor ranges from intensely sweet to a nice sweet-tart balance. If you catch them too early, though, they can be pretty astringent.
To Eat the Seeds or Not?
While the pulp is delicious, the seeds are a different story. They are packed with tannins, which makes them pretty unpalatable. They aren’t toxic, but they are extremely sour and can cause an upset stomach if you eat too many. Traditionally, most folks just scoop the seeds out and either save them for planting or toss them. Plus, the tiny hairs on the seeds can cause an annoying “itchy” feeling in your mouth and throat—definitely not the snack experience you’re looking for!
Pro Tip: Wear gloves when you’re prepping a big batch of rose hips. Those little hairs can make your hands itch just as much as your throat!
Tip: Enjoying Rose Hips Raw
Yes, you can eat rose hips right off the bush! You just need to find a perfectly ripe one. Look for fruits that have a slightly translucent skin and give a little when you squeeze them—that’s the sweet spot for a garden snack. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Hold the rose hip between three fingers.
- Pull off the stem.
- You’ll see a small hole where the stem used to be.
- Give it a firm squeeze.
- The smooth fruit mash will pop right out!
You can eat that fresh pulp right then and there. It’s seed-free and doesn’t even need washing. If you want to save the rest of the fruit, you can slice it open later and scoop out the remaining pulp for recipes.
