Rose plants are universally beloved for their rich and varied colors, their assorted shapes and sizes and their intoxicating scents. In addition to delighting the senses and lending beauty to the garden, however, rose plants also possess features that are nutritionally beneficial and useful. Rose hips and petals are two such features of rose plants.
Definition of Rose Hips
Rose hips are the petite, spherical fruits of rose plants. Though most commonly seen in shades of red and orange, rose hips come in a variety of colors, including dark purple and black. Hips appear on rose plants during the spring and ripen throughout the summer and fall seasons. Rose hips have a botanical function; they house the tiny seeds of rose plants. Consequently, they play a role in the reproduction of rose plants. When sowed just beneath the surface of the soil, the seeds within rose hips can germinate and develop into new rose plants in adequately warm conditions. Germination takes about three months.
Definition of Rose Petals
Rose petals are the individual components of a rose flower that gradually unfurl and expand as the rose flower blooms. Each variety of rose plant is distinguished in part by the unique color, shape, size, number and configuration of its petals. Rose petals come in every color of the rainbow, including numerous shades of red, orange, yellow, green and purple. Petals can be round or ovoid in shape; some may resemble half-circles or half-ovals, with flattened sides. They range in size from less than 1 inch to 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Some rose flowers, such as those on wild rose plants, have only five petals, while others, such as English garden rose blooms, have hundreds. Rose petals can be neatly and evenly configured on a rose flower or densely packed for a crowded, thick appearance.
Nutritional Benefits of Rose Hips
Rose hips contain large amounts of vitamin C. In fact, there are between 1,700 to 2,000 mg of vitamin C within every 100 mg of dried rose hips. Consequently, rose hips are one of the richest plant sources of this nutrient. Vitamins A and B are also present in rose hips, as are essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Vitamin C benefits immunity and helps the body to build collagen, among other functions. Vitamin A helps in part with skeletal development and night vision. B vitamins work in part to maintain a healthy nervous system and promote energy. Essential fatty acids are associated with heart health and brain function. Antioxidants prevent the oxidation of cells that may lead to cancer and other diseases.
Uses of Rose Hips
Because of their nutritional benefits, rose hips are included in many over-the-counter nutritional supplements, particularly vitamin C supplements. Rose hips are also used to create a variety of edible and drinkable products, including jams, pies, herbal teas and wines. Throughout history, foods and drinks made from rose hips have been valued for their high vitamin C content. People use rose hips as nutritional supplements for their pets, including chinchillas, which do not produce adequate vitamin C on their own, and horses, whose coats and hooves benefit with the consumption of rose hips. Once extracted, the delicate hairs inside of rose hips are used to make itching powder. Rose hips can be dried and used to fashion all types of crafts, including jewelry, or combined with dried rose petals and used as potpourri.
Uses of Rose Petals
Rose petals can be as useful as they are attractive. For centuries, people have used rose petals to fashion fragrant beads with which to make rosaries and other types of jewelry. The petals are simmered in water until they achieve a pulpy consistency and then are shaped into beads. If they are free from pesticides, herbicides and other potentially harmful chemicals, rose petals are edible, and lend their flowery odor and mild flavor to all types of foods and beverages, including desserts and teas. Rosewater is a staple in culinary traditions of the Middle East. Rose petals are included as ingredients in all types of beauty products, ranging from bath salts to face creams. When air dried and placed in a dish or basket, rose petals make delightfully scented potpourri.
References
- "The Ultimate Rose Book: New Expanded Edition"; Stirling Macoboy, 2007.
- "Roses for Dummies"; Lance Walheim, 2000.
- Pharmics: Functions of Vitamins and Minerals
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