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The plant |
The flowers |
Description
"Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.
It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which includes many other herbs. The name "rosemary" derives from the Latin for "dew" (ros) and "sea" (marinus), or "dew of the sea".[2] The plant is also sometimes called anthos, from the ancient Greek word ἄνθος, meaning "flower".[3] Rosemary has a fibrous root system." (Wikipedia)
Uses
As a Food:
"Rosemary is a popular herb that originated in the Mediterranean, and that’s often used in Italian and French cuisine. The herb is spicy and warm, and is often paired with rich meats like lamb, with sour lemons, and even with sweet dishes. The key to using rosemary in cooking is to chop it finely, because the needles can be quite tough otherwise. Rosemary is a favorite in savory cooked dishes, baked goods, and even added to desserts." (wikiHow)
"With a strong flavor, a little rosemary goes a long way to season your favorite meals and snacks. Some of the most popular culinary uses of rosemary include:
1. Vinegars and Oils
One of the easiest ways of preserving the flavors of rosemary is by making a simple vinegar or oil infusion. Best of all, you don’t need any specialized equipment!
This delicious oregano, rosemary and marjoram vinegar is perfect for use in salad dressings, marinades and other recipes requiring vinegar. Likewise, a simple rosemary olive oil can be used for all these recipes and more – including as a healthy drizzle over cooked vegetables or as a dipping sauce for crusty breads. Both these infusions also make a beautiful homemade gift for friends and family.
2. Herbal Butter
For a flavored butter to liven up cooked meats and vegetables, pasta, potatoes and breads, all while utilizing your homegrown rosemary, look no further than this garlic and rosemary butter recipe.
3. Rosemary Salt
A simple grilled fish dish or plate of roast vegetables can be elevated to new heights with a sprinkling of this surprisingly easy-to-make rosemary and lemon sea salt. As the name suggests, this ‘recipe’ calls for just three ingredients!
4. Sauces and Soups
Rosemary plays a starring role in all manner of sauces and soups. When it comes to making marinades, you can’t go wrong pairing rosemary with citrus, garlic, peppercorn, butter, olive oil, balsamic vinegar or even port.
In soups, the herb pairs well with sweet potato, roast mixed vegetables, chicken, potato, zucchini, chickpea or parsnip to name but a few.
5. Salads and Salad Dressings
Rosemary isn’t a classic salad herb but it works wonders in a number of refreshing summer dishes.
Give it a go in a simple heirloom tomato salad; in an Italian potato salad with lemon and capers; or atop grapes and feta cheese! Other impressive salad recipes which utilize rosemary vinaigrette include this one made with roasted butternut squash and tangerines, or this grilled peach delight.
6. Breads and Pastas
Plain pasta and bread can easily be dressed up with the addition of rosemary oil or vinegar, but don’t stop at serving the herb on your bread or pasta – mix it into the dough of these delicious staples too.
Sticking with its Mediterranean roots, we especially like a good rosemary focaccia bread or a rosemary and black pepper fettucine.
7. Desserts
Herbs aren’t just delicious in savory dishes – they lend an incredible depth of flavor to a great many desserts too, as rosemary proves in the following recipes.
A light lemon and rosemary sorbet is a delicious palate cleanser, while these apple and rosemary mini pies are the perfect sweet for Afternoon Tea. For something more indulgent, how about a slice of lemon and rosemary coffee cake or a rosemary and dark chocolate shortbread bar?
8. Drinks
From simple detox water to delicious cocktails, rosemary gives an added kick to your favorite tipples.
Stay hydrated all summer long with a grapefruit and rosemary infused water or a sparkling rosemary limeade. Sweet iced tea always hits the spot too – especially this lemon and rosemary version. To take your juicing to the next level, try an apple, pear and rosemary blend.
Finally, let loose in the evenings with a rosemary gimlet gin or a lemon and rosemary bourbon sour.
9. General Cooking
The myriad of ways to use fresh rosemary in the kitchen doesn’t end here – it works in everything from quiches and stir fries to stews and roasts. Experiment with your rosemary harvest and discover how versatile this pungent herb really is!
As a Medicine:
Like many herbs, rosemary is a potent alternative to conventional treatments for a number of ailments. Here’s how to harness its therapeutic properties:
10. Rosemary Essential Oil
One of the perks of growing herbs is that you can use them to distill your own high-quality, organic essential oil, allowing you to reap its many health benefits. In particular, rosemary essential oil can be used for relief from anxiety, indigestion, headache, joint pain, cold and flu, poor circulation and much more besides. To make your own rosemary essential oil, follow the steps outlined in this tutorial.
For an easier-to-make rosemary oil, which is slightly less potent, simply infuse your rosemary leaves in a carrier oil like jojoba or olive for three to six weeks, leaving the jar in a sunny position. This can be used for mental clarity, aching muscles and relaxing massages.
11. Natural Deodorant
Did you know you can safely ditch your chemical laden deodorants while still smelling sweet by simply changing your diet?
In fact, one of the most natural ways to improve your body odor is to add more herbs like rosemary, basil, parsley, mint and sage to your meals!
Discover even more ways to reduce your body odor through diet and natural products here.
12. Strong and Shiny Hair
If you’re on a mission to improve the health of your hair and scalp, then start harvesting your rosemary plant.
A strong infusion of rosemary and nettle leaf makes for a great post-shampoo herbal hair rinse. Not only does its antimicrobial properties help reduce dandruff, but it stimulates blood flow which speeds hair growth when used regularly.
In addition, research has shown that certain essential oils including rosemary lead to faster growth and improved hair quality by removing impurities, unblocking hair follicles and stimulating the scalp. Mix a blend of lavender, thyme, rosemary, cedarwood and peppermint into your shampoo and massage into the scalp weekly.
13. Relief from Congestion
Whether you’re suffering a stuffed up nose or chest congestion, the power of rosemary coupled with the age old remedy of steam treatment (which has been used to enhance health for thousands of years) is guaranteed to bring you relief. What’s more, it’s fast acting and completely safe.
Boil water in a pot or kettle and transfer immediately to a large, heat proof bowl. Stir in two spoons of fresh or dried rosemary – a natural antiseptic that helps open nasal passages. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl, positioning the towel to keep in as much steam as possible. Breathe in the vapors for up to ten minutes." (Natural Living Ideas)