Almost all of our “Classic” herbal tea varieties contain rosehip to a greater or lesser extent, so I think it is important to tell you what it is and what it is used for.

Rosa mosqueta is the generic name for a wild variety of plants of the genus Rosa (of the Rosaceae family). They are known in English as rose hip . The most commonly used are: the dog rose, the rubiginosa rose (also known as rosehip) and the moschata rose. In all these plants the rose is the flower and the rosehip is the fruit that remains and ripens after the petals fall.

This is what leads to confusion, as many people think that rosehip is a variety and not a generic name. It is also believed that rosehip is another variety of wild rose; but this is not the case.

The rosehip is the fruit of all of them. Each variety has its own characteristic shape (elongated, round, red, orange, purple, etc.); but they are all rosehips.

How to differentiate them?

To distinguish between Rosa canina, Rosa moschata and Rosa rubiginosa, you have to take into account the colour of the flower. Also the size, shape of the bush, its fruit and the place of origin. Although in themselves they are very similar.

Rosa rubiginosa:

It is also known as rosehip or Rosa eglanteria. Its flower has 5 petals and is deep pink with white in the center. It is native to Europe and is also found in the wild in Chile and Argentina.

Rose moschata (erodium moschatum):

It is known as Musk- Rose because its petals give off a musky scent. It has been cultivated for many years and its origins are uncertain. Its flower also has 5 petals and is white in colour.

Rosehip:

The dog rose is a type of wild rose native to Europe, Africa, northern Chile and Central Asia. Its flower has 5 petals of a soft pink colour. Its scientific name is believed to be derived from the fact that they have a shape reminiscent of the canine teeth of dogs. Another hypothesis is that it gets its name because in ancient times the rosehip was used as a treatment for rabies.

Rosehip or fruit

As we have already said, it is the fruit or berry that remains when the petals of roses fall. It is also known as “tapa culos”, “agavanzo” or “gabarda”. In almost all varieties, it is red. There are also orange and purple variants.

They can be eaten raw, as long as the inner hairs and seeds are avoided. They are also dried and used as an infusion to make liqueurs, soft drinks, jams, jellies, etc.

Pliny the Elder was able to describe more than 30 compounds derived from rosehip to treat diseases. There is very old literature that provides evidence that it was used for medicinal purposes.

In Chinese manuscripts that refer to rosehip as a treatment for various health problems, its extract is still used there and in Spain to treat diarrhea (hence its strange name “tapa culos”).

During World War II, due to the food shortage and lack of vitamins, rosehip was highly valued and sought after for its enormous contribution of vitamin C, as it contains very high doses. For every 100 g of dried fruit, between 1,700 mg and 2,000 mg of this vitamin are obtained, which makes it one of the richest plant sources of this vitamin. In addition, it provides vitamins A, D and E and antioxidant flavonoids.

It is said to have therapeutic properties such as preventing bladder infections, helping with dizziness and migraines. It is also a very effective astringent and a good aid in preventing urinary tract infections.

Chemical composition of rosehip per 100 g:

• Vitamins:
  • C (ascorbic acid) from 500 to 2,000 mg
  • E 47 mg
  • At 5 mg
  • K (per 100 g of fresh fruit) 1,000 Dam units
  • B1 100 gammas
  • B2 7 gammas
  • Nicotinic acid or PP factor (nuts with their seeds) 400 gammas
• Sugar 30 gr
• Pectin 25 g
• Proteins 2.7 g
• Fatty acids 0.7 g
• Minerals: iron, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur

So now you know, if you want to fight the flu or colds and help prevent migraines during this cold season, drink EURO TE fruit herbal teas that also provide you with other fruits and flowers that are beneficial for your health.