Rose Hips (Rosa canina), the fruit of the rose
after the flower has bloomed and the petals have fallen, are native to Europe and North
America. Rose Hips were once reffered to as the "Food of the Gods" by the
ancient Greeks and used for their varied health benefits.
During World War II, when faced with a serious shortage of fresh
fruits and the subsequent shortage of vitamin C, the governments of Englan, Sweden and
Norway began looking to botanicals as a source for Vitamin C. After testing, they
discovered that Rose Hips contained an astonishing amount of Vitamin C.
Because of their abundance , they were used in teas, soups, purees,
etc. Rose Hips are still used today as a favorite nutitious food, often brewed into a
delicate, fruity tea.
