Varietal Characteristics

Rosehip is a perennial plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is a wild rose, characterized by thorny shrubs that can reach 2-3 meters in height. Its leaves are compound, consisting of five to seven toothed, deep green leaflets. The flowers, which bloom in spring and early summer, are simple and delicate, with pale pink or white petals that give off a light, pleasant scent. In Piedmont, the dog rose grows wild in a variety of environments. It prefers hilly and mountainous areas, but is also common in woods, along the edges of paths and in field hedges. Because of its hardiness, it adapts well to both calcareous and clay soils, thriving in full sun or partial shade. It is particularly abundant in the Langhe and Monferrato, where the temperate climate and soil conditions provide an ideal habitat for its development. One of the most fascinating aspects of the rose hips are its fruits, known as chinorrods. These small fruits, which ripen in autumn, are a vibrant orange-red color and are rich in nutrients. The dogwoods have fleshy flesh and a slightly tart flavor, making them perfect for making jams and marmalades. The harvesting of dogwoods generally takes place between September and November, when they are fully ripe.