- Rose Hips
As I was eating some shrimp, clams, and scallops by the Atlantic Ocean in Maine, I looked at the familiar site of the roses that grow near the ocean with a different eye. I have seen these roses all my life. My Mother liked them so much that she tried to transplant some to our house. But while eating this time, my mind was full of questions. Were these roses indigenous to this country? The petals are single, five and color pink which are known typical native rose characteristics but European roses were introduced to this country very early. And look at the size of those rose hips! What a rich source of Vitamin C, A, B3, D and E, bioflavonoids, citric acid, and zinc! If anyone knows more about this rose pictured, please comment below or e-mail me at foodhxsmp@gmail.com
Heart to Hearth Cookery 
Those are Rosa Rugosa and can be found all over New England, particularly the beach areas. USDA bred these roses to be salt tolerant, poor soil tolerant, extreme cold tolerant, and thorny thorny thorny (to reduce ingestion by the local wildlife- deer love regular rose bushes). Their roots help with erosion and the hips are valuable food for birds and squirrels. Hope that helps!
By: Peter on August 3, 2012
at 3:00 pm