WILD ROSE HIPS

As the fall rapidly comes to a close around Anchorage the last of the wild roses have dropped their petals and turned into rose hips. Each rose hip contains as much vitamin C as about ten oranges. They are also a significant source of vitamin A and B.

Rose hips were discovered to be one of the important foods consumed by Native Americans in the Great Basin of Oregon dating back to the Paisley Period some 12,900 to 15,700 years ago. They likely served as an important vitamin source in winter when other vitamin-rich plants were scarce. The medicinal value of rose hips, particularly in dealing with respiratory illnesses, was recognized as being well established among many tribes when the early settlers arrived. It was most often consumed as a tea or syrup (eaten raw they are not very appetizing).
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