Dog Rose

Description

Dog Rose (Rosa canina) belongs to the Rosaceae family and is native to Europe. It thrives in Hedgerows, Roadsides, Dry meadows, Scrub environments across regions including Italy, France, Germany, UK, Spain, Scandinavia.

Botanically, Dog Rose is berries highest vitamin C in plant kingdom. Petals syrups jams. Remove internal hairs.. It is also known locally as Rosa/Rosetta.

The edible parts include Berries, Petals, Leaves. With an edibility rating of 9/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during November, October and September.

Nutritionally, Dog Rose stands out for its Vitamin C (426.0mg, 473% DV), Vitamin K (26.0mg, 22% DV) and Magnesium (69.0mg, 16% DV). It also provides 10.0g protein and 24.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving.

In the kitchen, Dog Rose offers a Berries sweet-bitter Floral petals flavor profile. Berries jam syrup tea petals syrup honey. Common culinary applications include syrup, jam, tea, flower honey. Popular preparations include Rosehip syrup, Rosehip jam, Rose petal honey, Fresh berry compote.

For storage, dried 12mo Syrup 6mo.

Safety note: No toxicity. Internal hairs irritate REMOVE ALWAYS. Antinutrient content is seeds stinging hairs remove before. Be aware that Holly Ilex aquifolium TOXIC berries. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

Foragers should collect dog rose during Sep, Oct and Nov. Choose young, vibrant parts for optimal flavor and nutrition. Avoid specimens near polluted areas, roadsides, or treated agricultural land.

Field identification relies on recognizing the plant in its natural habitat — typically hedgerows, roadsides, dry meadows, scrub. Flowers, leaf arrangement, and growth habit provide the most reliable identification markers. Always consult at least two independent botanical sources.

Traditional Europe communities have long valued dog rose as a seasonal wild food. Its reliable growth and nutritional density made it a valuable resource during lean periods and food scarcity.

In contemporary cuisine, dog rose pairs excellently with olive oil, garlic, and citrus. It complements wild herbs, foraged mushrooms, and hearty grains. Experiment with both raw preparations and slow-cooked dishes to appreciate its full range.

Edibility

Harvest Calendar

Nutrition (per 100g)

Culinary Uses

syrup, jam, tea, flower honey

Storage

Dried 12mo Syrup 6mo

Recipes

• Rosehip syrup
• Rosehip jam
• Rose petal honey
• Fresh berry compote
• Wild berry jam
• Berry syrup for pancakes
• Wild winter pesto made from Dog Rose
• Traditional Dog Rose soup

Where It Grows