Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant, and they are edible.
However, it is not recommended to eat them raw due to the presence of irritating hairs on the seeds.
The most popular species of rose, the rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa), has seeds that are covered in irritating hairs. These hairs can cause an unpleasant reaction when they come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Furthermore, the irritation is carried right through the digestive tract if the rose hips are eaten raw.
In addition to the irritating hairs, the rose hips also contain a high concentration of vitamin C. Eating them raw can cause an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea due to the high acidity of the vitamin C.
The best way to consume rose hips is to cook them first. This will soften the irritating hairs and reduce the acidity of the vitamin C. They can be boiled, steamed, or baked. They can also be dried and ground into a powder, which can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, or other recipes.
In conclusion, it is not recommended to eat rose hips raw due to the presence of irritating hairs on the seeds and the high concentration of vitamin C. The best way to consume them is to cook them first, either by boiling, steaming, or baking. They can also be dried and ground into a powder for use in recipes.