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Berries & Herbs

Winter time is tea time. Despite the wide variety of teas on offer, local produce still ranks in first place when it comes to the Tiroleans’ consumption habits. This is not without reason since rosehips have a pleasant fruity taste and are rich in vitamin C.

Rosehips, the fruit of the wild dogrose, were said to be an effective remedy for the cure of bites from rabid dogs (as the name suggests). An extremely dubious therapy as it seems…

However, one thing is for sure – rosehips are the richest natural source of C of all local fruits and further contain sugar, flavonoids, pro-vitamin A, vitamins B and E, and minerals. Thanks to the high concentration of natural agents, rosehips are a highly popular remedy for colds and flu.

The fruits of the dogrose are usually collected in late autumn, but can occasionally be found even in winter. They are used for teas, delicious jams, compotes, sweet purees, soups, wine and liqueur.

According to ancient belief rosehips were used to cast all kinds of defensive spells: People nailed twigs of dogrose bushes to the doors of their homes and cowsheds in order to protect both humans and animals from being hit by a lightning strike. Moreover, rosehip mixtures were to prevent witches from interfering in the butter making process and other farm work. Folklore has it that three rosehips taken after the midnight mass on Christmas Eve keep you from all complaints and diseases throughout the following year.