At this time plant taxonomists recognize 16 species of native Sicilian roses. Dog rose, a thorny shrub with white to pink 5-petaled flowers in spring and summer, is one of the most common. In autumn, the blooms are followed by a dazzling and long-lasting display of bright red seed pods or 'hips'. Rose hips are an edible, rich source of Vitamin C but quite tart if eaten raw. However, they are often prepared as jellies, jams, syrups, soups, seasonings and tea, as well as a wide range of homeopathic remedies. Harvest ripe rose hips after a good cold snap makes them slightly soft, from plants that have not been treated with pesticides. Slice pods open to remove the seeds which are covered with a lining of irritating hairs and rinse fleshy parts of the pod before use.
Scientific name: Rosa canina
Italian common name: Rosa selvatica comune
English common name: Dog rose
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