Getting to Bariloche and savor a toast of homemade bread with sweet rosehip It’s one of the rituals I look forward to all year long. I repeat it every February, when I start my vacation in this place that is so unique and special to me. Based on what I heard from other tourists, I’m not the only one who falls into this craving.
Sweet flavor, with a slightly acidic touchdelicate and very particular. The jam is made from the pulp of the fruit and, as is often the case with special flavors, there is no middle ground: either you love it or it’s not your thing.
“In the south rosehip has many uses and, although The most traditional is jam, more and more creative proposals appear“, explains nutritionist Analía Yamaguchi, a specialist in EMDR. She says that is used also in infusions and tea blends, where it is usually combined with black tea or other herbs to provide flavor and aroma. In gastronomyhe clarifies, it is used to prepare sweet and sour sauces that accompany meats very well.
Also known as rubiginosa rose or Rosa eglanteria, It is a wild shrub up to 2 meters high from the Rosaceae family, native to Eastern Europe and North Africa.
Almost two centuries ago it was introduced to Patagonia and it adapted so well to the climate that today it grows wild in the region. Its fruit, known as rose hip, is a fleshy, ovoid-shaped berry, intense red or orange when ripe.and measures between 1 and 3 cm. It stands out for its high content of vitamin C and antioxidants.
“Fresh pulp has low fat content, more than 60% water and carbohydrates.”says Dr. Yamaguchi. Among its nutrients, vitamin C, fatty acids and minerals such as calcium and magnesium stand out. The nutritionist explains that, according to a study by the National University of Comahue, 100 g of dried rosehip – or its flour – can provide up to 543 mg of calcium.
Specialists list the following benefits of rosehip fruit:
1) Anti-inflammatory effects
The specialized health site WebMD notes that rosehip products have shown anti-inflammatory effects. As he explains, it is related to compounds present in the fruit called galactolipids, which would help modulate inflammatory processes in the body.
2) Antioxidant action
The fruits have a high level of antioxidant and antimicrobial actionaccording to a study published by the National Institute of Health, due to its content of polyphenols, vitamins C, E and B complex, as well as carotenoids, which can act synergistically.
3) Provides vitamin C
“With a high content of vitamin C, it helps strengthen the immune system and promotes skin health.”clarifies the nutritionist. In addition, the Mayo Clinic points out that vitamin C also contributes to wound healing and protects joints.
The jam It is prepared in an artisanal way and takes time and patience.:
Another use of rosehip is its oil essential, which became one of the best kept secrets in the world of skin care, although scientific evidence is still lacking.
The oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant and some works indicate that It is a powerful regenerator and skin healer. According to PubMed, studies have shown that rosehip extracts also have beneficial effects against different skin disorders. Reports of Medical News Today indicate that contains a high concentration of essential fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins, elements that help cell renewal.
On the other hand, engineer Miguel Sampedro found a way to process rose hips without creating waste and created a company that markets derivatives of this fruit abroad from Chubut. In a previous interview with LA NACION he said: “Rosehip oil is high in retinolan acid widely used by laboratories, which improves the quality of the skin.”
However, Pedro Barbosa, a dermatologist specializing in trichology and member of the Hair Unit of the Austral University Hospital, warns: “I always tell my patients: it could help for some post-surgical scars, but there is not enough evidence to say that this is a good thing and will make a difference.” And finish that, If you want to use it as a humectant and as a last step to seal in moisture, “not bad”.
I stay with this comment. Going to sleep every night with rosehip oil on my skin is another of my pleasures when I go to Patagonia.
