Rosemary

Rosemary is a flavorful herb with a long history of having both culinary and medicinal uses. It is sometimes thought of as a holiday herb, but we love its versatility all year round.

What is Rosemary?

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that grows as an evergreen shrub. It’s a perennial plant, meaning that it does not shed its needle-like leaves seasonally, and grows year after year. It belongs to the mint family along with sage, basil and oregano. 

Rosemary’s fragrant, yet tiny leaves put up a good defense against pests. The surface of each rosemary leaf has little, hair-like structures called trichomes that physically repel insects and microbes. They also produce a dense amount of essential oils that contain compounds that act as antimicrobials, fungicides and insecticides. It is these defensive oils that give rosemary its distinct, piney yet minty flavor, as well as its many medicinal properties. Oils are extracted from the rosemary plant once it produces its white, pink, purple or blue flowers.

Rosemary originated from the Eastern Mediterranean region. It was widely used in traditional and folk medicines for a number of ailments. Ancient Greek students, for example, ate rosemary to boost their memory while studying and wore a rosemary crown when taking exams. Traditionally, the herb has been used to heal fevers and coughs, as well as digestive problems. Modernly, rosemary extracts have been found to be anti-inflammatory, antidiuretic, anti-blood clot, and antinociceptive.

As a symbol, rosemary has traditionally represented love, fidelity, friendship and remembrance and has often been used as a token at both weddings and funerals. Every year on Shakespeare’s birthday in reference to Ophelia’s line in Hamlet, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember,” rosemary is placed on his tomb. 

How to Prepare Rosemary?

In cuisine, rosemary has a unique, strong flavor; too much of the herb can overpower a dish. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients, especially lemon which has some of the same flavor compounds, and is used in a variety of cooking from baking to cocktail making. Here are some ways to prepare rosemary:

Simple seasoning: Place whole sprigs, or chop the leaves on lamb, chicken and fish, as well as vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, and onions. 

Rosemary goat cheese: Chop up rosemary and mix in with soft cheese for an aromatic spread.

Tea: Rosemary leaves can be steeped in hot water to make a relaxing tea.

Infused olive oil: Add rosemary and olive oil to a saucepan and cook over medium-high heat for about five minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Poor rosemary and oil into a jar and seal.

Rosemary Health Benefits

Rosemary comes with numerous health benefits:

• Enhances Memory and Concentration: Research suggests that rosemary enhances brain function; its extracts are being studied as a treatment for degenerative brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s.

• Protects the Skin: The antioxidants in rosemary can help protect skin cells from damage often caused by the sun and free radicals.

• Stimulates Hair Growth: When used in hair care products, rosemary may stimulate hair growth.

Rosemary Facts:

• Rosemary extract’s antioxidant properties led to its approval as a food preservation additive in the EU.

• The rosemary plant can live up to 30 years. It can withstand droughts, surviving without water for a long period of time. 

• During the Middle Ages, it was common in France to burn rosemary to clear the air in the house and stave off the Black Plague.

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