Rosehip and histamine: An overview of tolerability and benefits

Rosehips are the fruit of the wild rose , which grows in many parts of the world . They are not only beautiful to look at , but also rich in nutrients and offer a variety of health benefits . In the following blog article, you will learn more interesting details about rosehips and whether they are considered low-histamine or high -histamine fruits.

Rosehips: Origin, appearance & taste

The wild roses on which rosehips grow are widespread in many parts of the world. These are small, round berries , usually with a bright red or orange skin . The size of rosehips varies depending on the rose variety. They are generally about the size of a cherry.
The inside of the rosehip consists of a soft mass filled with numerous small seeds. The seeds are covered with tiny hairs that can cause a slight itching sensation when touched. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the hairs before eating. Rosehips have a slightly tart flavor reminiscent of a mixture of apples and cranberries. The skin of the small fruits is slightly bitter and can be somewhat chewy . For this reason, rosehips are most often used to make jams, teas , or other culinary creations. In this country, rosehips are in season from September to December.

Nutrient-rich and health-promoting rose hips

Rosehips are rich in a wide variety of nutrients that can have a positive impact on health. Some of the most important nutrients they contain are vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, calcium, fiber, and antioxidants. It's important to note that the exact nutrient composition of rosehips can vary depending on the variety and ripeness . Depending on the variety, a single rosehip can contain up to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange.

Rosehips and histamine: A comparison of the histamine content of rosehips

According to the SIGHI list, rosehips are classified as level 1 , so it's best to test their tolerability individually, especially if you're on a low-histamine diet. If you'd like to ease into enjoying them, it's recommended to eat the small fruits as fresh as possible or enjoy them as a tea.

Rosehips are suitable for the following diets :

• Low-histamine diet

• gluten-free diet

• lactose-free diet

• Low-sorbitol diet

• Low-nickel diet

Rosehips are rather unsuitable for the following diets:

• low-fructose diet

• low-salicylate diet
 
Due to their balanced fructose-glucose ratio, rosehip products are relatively well tolerated in a low-fructose diet. However, this should also be tested carefully.

Purchasing and storing rosehips for histamine-sensitive individuals

Fresh rosehips are rarely found in supermarkets . It's best to pick them yourself . However, rosehip pulp, made from these small fruits, is available in almost every well-stocked supermarket and organic shop . When buying rosehip pulp, it's important to pay attention to additives and organic quality to keep the histamine content and levels of contaminants, such as pesticides, as low as possible.

But be careful: rosehips are not well suited for long-term storage. If you can't process or eat them immediately after picking, you should only keep them in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2-3 days.

Preparation of rosehips in a low-histamine diet

Cleaning and preparing the small fruits can be very tedious , because after washing and draining, each fruit must first be freed from its stem and blossom end , then halved individually and freed from its small seeds.
It is recommended to wear gloves during preparation , as the inside of rosehips is also known as "itching powder" for a reason.
Due to their intense acidity, eating raw rosehips is not recommended. Furthermore, the substances in the small seeds can irritate the mucous membranes. This irritant effect can only be destroyed by heat.
The crushed fruit can be used to make excellent chutneys or jams . It is also ideal for desserts .

Use of rosehips in the diet

There are various ways to incorporate rosehips into your diet. Below, we have compiled the most common methods for you :

Rosehip tea: You can use dried rosehips to prepare a delicious and healthy tea. Simply pour hot water over the rosehips and let them steep for a few minutes. Rosehips are also very healthy and, among other things, rich in vitamin C.

Rosehip jam: This is a delicious way to enjoy rosehips. You can use it on toast, rolls, or as a topping for yogurt.

Rosehip powder: This is a practical option for enjoying the benefits of rosehips. You can use it in smoothies, muesli, or baked goods.

Rosehip oil: Rosehip oil is often used in skincare. You can apply it to your skin to moisturize and nourish it.

Delicious and fruity recipe ideas

There are berries that are much easier on the stomach, so we have put together three delicious and fruity recipes for you below.

Coconut Blueberry Balls:

• 120g coconut flakes
• 40g ground almonds (1)
• 40g coconut butter
• 30g low-histamine fruit powder (here wild blueberry)
• 3-4 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3-4 tablespoons of water
• Coconut flakes for rolling

Fruit Sticks:

• Fruits of your choice, e.g., apricots, blueberries, grapes
• 300ml water
• 1 tbsp acerola juice
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 10g Agar Agar

Jam Bites:

• 200g blueberries
• 30g chia seeds
• 50g maple syrup
• 200g white chocolate (1)