Rosehip and histamine: An overview of tolerability and benefits

Rose hips are the fruit of the wild rose, which can be found in many parts of the world. They are not only beautiful to look at, but also rich in nutrients and offer a multitude of health benefits. In the following blog article, you will learn more exciting details about rose hips and whether they are classified as low-histamine or higher-histamine fruits.

Rose Hips: Origin, Appearance & Taste

The wild roses on which rose hips grow are widespread in many parts of the world. They are small, round berries that generally have a bright red or orange skin. The size of rose hips varies depending on the rose variety. As a rule, they are about the size of a cherry.
The inside of the rose hip consists of a soft mass filled with numerous small seeds. The seeds are covered with tiny hairs that can cause slight itching if touched. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the hairs before consumption. The taste of rose hips is slightly tart and reminiscent of a mixture of apples and cranberries. The skin of the small fruits is slightly bitter and can be a bit chewy when eaten. For this reason, rose hips are in most cases used to prepare jams, teas, or other culinary creations. Seasonally, rose hips are available in this country from September to December.

Nutritional value and health potential of the rose hip

Rose hips are rich in a wide variety of nutrients that can have a positive effect on health. Some of the most important nutrients they contain include vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, calcium, fiber, and antioxidants. At this point, it is important to note that the exact nutrient composition of rose hips can vary depending on the variety and degree of ripeness. Depending on the variety, a rose hip can even contain up to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange.

Supplementing vitamin C in everyday life

Vitamin C is therefore one of the nutrients for which rose hips are particularly well known. If you would like to easily integrate additional vitamin C into your daily routine, our Bio 1mmunFit can be a practical supplement.

It combines vitamin C from acerola with selected organic ingredients such as moringa, black cumin, ashwagandha, cranberry, turmeric, and reishi. The vitamin C contained contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Our Bio 1mmunFit is suitable for a low-histamine & low-fructose diet, gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan. In addition, it is certified organic, lab-tested, and contains no unnecessary additives.

Rose Hip and Histamine: The histamine content of rose hips in comparison

According to the SIGHI list, rose hips are rated 1, so their tolerance in a low-histamine diet should best be tested individually. If you would like to slowly feel your way towards enjoying them, it is recommended to eat the small fruits as fresh as possible or to enjoy them as tea.

Rose hips are suitable for the following diets:

·       low-histamine diet

·       gluten-free diet

·       lactose-free diet

·       low-sorbitol diet

·       low-nickel diet

Rose hips are rather unsuitable for the following diets:

·       low-fructose diet

·       low-salicylate diet

Due to the balanced fructose-glucose ratio, rose hip products can be relatively well tolerated in a low-fructose diet. However, this should also be tested cautiously.

Purchasing and storing rose hips for histamine-sensitive individuals

Fresh rose hips are rarely found in supermarkets. They should ideally be picked yourself. However, as fine rose hip puree, the small fruits are available in almost every well-stocked supermarket and organic shop. When purchasing rose hip puree, it is important to pay attention to additives and organic quality in order to keep the histamine content and the level of contaminants from, e.g., pesticides, as low as possible.

But be careful: rose hips are not suitable for long-term storage. So if you cannot process or consume them immediately after picking, you should keep them in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2-3 days.

Preparation of rose hips in the low-histamine kitchen

Cleaning and preparing the small fruits can be very tedious, because after washing and draining, each fruit must first be freed from the stem and calyx, then halved individually and cleared of the small seeds.
During preparation, it is advisable to wear gloves, as the inside of the rose hips is not called "itching powder" for nothing.
Due to their intense acidity, consuming raw rose hips is not advisable. Furthermore, the substances in the small seeds can irritate the mucous membranes. This property can only be destroyed by heat.
You can make excellent chutneys or jams from the crushed fruits. They are also ideally suited for use in desserts.

Using rose hips in your diet

There are various ways to integrate rose hips into your diet. Below, we have compiled the best-known options for you:

Rose hip tea: You can use dried rose hips to prepare a delicious and healthy tea. Simply pour hot water over the rose hips and let them steep for a few minutes. By the way, rose hips are very healthy and, among other things, rich in vitamin C.

Rose hip jam: This is a delicious way to enjoy rose hips. You can use it on toast, bread rolls, or as a topping for yogurt.

Rose hip powder: This is a practical option to take advantage of the benefits of rose hips. You can use it in smoothies, muesli, or baked goods.

Rose hip oil: As an oil, rose hips are often used in skincare. You can apply it to your skin to hydrate and nourish it.

Delicious and fruity recipe ideas

There are even better tolerated berries, so we have put together three delicious and fruity recipes for you below.

Coconut Blueberry Balls:

• 120g coconut flakes (1)
• 40g ground almonds (1)
• 40g coconut butter (1)
• 30g low-histamine fruit powder (here wild blueberry)
• 3-4 tbsp maple syrup
• 3-4 tbsp water
• Coconut flakes (1) 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 vegan white chocolate (1)