What Are Rosehips?
Rosehips are the fruits of the rose. After a rose flowers, the base of the bloom swells into a small, bright red or orange fruit filled with seeds. Ours come from the dog rose (Rosa canina), a wild climbing rose that grows in hedgerows, forest edges and fields across Europe, western Asia and North Africa.
The hips are harvested in autumn, often after the first frost, when they are fully ripe and slightly softened, and then dried whole. Inside, each hip contains seeds surrounded by fine, itchy hairs, so rosehip tea should always be strained well.
Rosehips are a traditional autumn and winter staple in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. In Bulgaria and the Balkans, sipka tea is a household favorite. In Sweden, rosehip soup (nyponsoppa) is a classic, and across Europe rosehips are cooked into syrups, jams and liqueurs.
Rosehip tea has a ruby-orange color and a tart, fruity and slightly sweet taste. It is often blended with hibiscus, apple, cinnamon or black tea, and it is lovely sweetened with a spoon of honey on a cold day.
Our rosehips contain only whole dried Rosa canina fruits with nothing added. They are sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Whole Rosehips for Tea
- Rosehip tea: Lightly crush 1 tablespoon (about 5 g) of rosehips. Simmer in 1 1/2 cups (12 fl oz / 350 ml) of water for 10 minutes, or steep covered for 15 minutes. Strain through a fine cloth or filter to remove the hairs.
- Overnight tea: Pour hot water over crushed rosehips in a thermos and let them steep overnight.
- Syrup and jam: Simmer the hips until soft, press through a fine sieve and cook the pulp with sugar.
Safety
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Read our full guide: How to brew rosehip tea: our guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I strain rosehip tea carefully?
Rosehips contain seeds with fine, itchy hairs. A fine filter or cloth keeps them out of your cup.
What does rosehip tea taste like?
It is tart, fruity and slightly sweet, with a ruby-orange color.
Is rosehip tea caffeine free?
Yes. Rosehips contain no caffeine.
Should I crush the rosehips?
Yes. Crushing them lightly before brewing gives a stronger, fruitier tea.
How should I store rosehips?
Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place.
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