ROSEMARY

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that has a long history of both culinary and medicinal use. Rosemary grows in bushes with wood-like stems and short, pine like needles. Although this herb resembles pine in both appearance and scent, it is actually a member of the mint family. Rosemary is a perineal evergreen that is often grown as an ornamental shrub because of its ability to withstand harsh conditions.

WHAT IS ROSEMARY?

Rosemary, a herb whose botanical name is Rosmarinus officinalis, is a sun-loving shrub, native to the south of France and other Mediterranean regions. It is widely cultivated for its aromatic and medicinal properties. This pine-scented evergreen of the Lamiaceae, or mint, family, can grow to 5 ft (1.5 m) in height in favorable settings. Rosemary thrives in chalky or sandy soil in full sun. The herb grows wild on dry, rocky slopes near the sea. Its name is derived from the Latin ros marinus, meaning "sea dew." Other common names for the herb include polar plant, compass-weed, or compass plant. The specific name, officinalis, refers to the herb's inclusion in official Western listings of medicinal herbs. Rosemary was a favored herb in early apothecary gardens

Legend abounds around this lovely perennial known as the "herb of remembrance." It is said that rosemary will grow particularly well in gardens tended by strong-willed women. Young brides traditionally carried a sprig of rosemary in their wreaths or wedding bouquets. The young couple may even have been brought together with the magic of a touch of rosemary, as in the refrain of an old ballad: "Young men and maids do ready stand/With sweet rosemary in their hands." Greek scholars wore a bit of the pungent herb in their hair when engaged in study as an aid to increase concentration. The fragrant herb was exchanged between friends as a symbol of loyalty, and tossed onto the graves of departed loved ones. Gypsy travelers sought rosemary for its use as a rinse for highlighting dark hair, or as a rejuvenating face wash. In the fourteenth century, Queen Isabella of Hungary used an alcohol extract of the flowering herb to treat gout . In ancient Egypt the herb was buried with the pharaohs. Rosemary was believed to have magical powers to banish evil spirits. It was burned in sick rooms as a disinfectant, and was used to ward off the plague

Rosemary's deep, woody taproot produces stout, branching, scaly, light brown stalks covered with simple, sessile narrow leaves about 1 in long and opposite, growing in whorls along the square stalks. Rosemary leaves are dark green on top and pale green on the underside with a distinctive mid vein. They curl inward along the margins. Tiny two-lipped, light blue or violet flowers grow in a cluster of five to seven blossoms each on a pair of short, opposite spikes. Each pair of flower spikes alternates along the sides of the stalk. This graceful aromatic herb blooms in late spring and early summer bearing two tiny seeds in each flower. Bees are attracted to rosemary flowers.

HISTORY ABOUT ROSEMARY

Rosemary was relocated to England by the Romans in the eighth century, primarily in the southern part of the country. Charlemagne ordered rosemary to be grown on his farms in the tenth-century Spain. It was introduced to the New World by early immigrants, but in the northern regions they must protected in the winter months. Rosemary has a historical association with the Virgin Mary. The flowers received their color light blue color when she placed her shawl over a rosemary bush after she washed it. At weddings, boughs of rosemary were carried as good luck for the new couple. Rosemary branches were placed on the floors of medieval homes to combat diseases during the “black plague”‘. Because of the fragrance the plant gives off it was a used as a incense.

HORTICULTURAL FACTS

Rosemary is an evergreen bush that grows to a height of two to six feet with pale blue flowers and spiky leathery leaves (all varieties have leaves that resemble pine needles). The leaves are glossy green on the top and lighter, gray-green underneath. In mild climates you will see rosemary bushes used as a boarder plant. It is usually hardy to zero degrees Fahrenheit. As the plant matures the stems will become woody in texture. The reason for its popularity is its aromatic fragrance and the essential oil scent of camphor. Many experts relate the fragrance to pine needles that is slightly resinous with a sweet scent. It is described as having a very bold flavor. Rosemary likes sun, the more the better, and dry well-drained poor soil. It does not like moisture laden areas of the garden. You can grow it from rooted parts of the existing plant or from cuttings. Rosemary is referred to as not-quite-winter-hardy because in the Northern United States and Europe it is best to grow it in a pot in the summer and move it indoors in the severe winter months. It requires very little water once it is established. It responds well to container culture and tolerates indoor growing conditions.

HOW TO USED?

Rosemary is most often used to season meats, especially lamb, pork, and chicken. Chopped rosemary can be added to bread or biscuit dough, and the flavor will infuse throughout during cooking. Potatoes, beans, and lentils also pair well with rosemary. Rosemary can be quite potent and is therefore usually used sparingly.

Because both fresh and dried rosemary can have a tough, pine-needle like texture, it is usually chopped or crushed with a mortar and pestle before adding to recipes. Sprigs of rosemary with the stem intact can be added to soups and stews and then removed prior to serving.

To remove the leaves from a rosemary stem, simply pinch the tip of the stem and pull backward toward the base and the leaves should easily pull away. The leaves are usually then chopped further to prevent using large, tough pieces of the herb.

Rosemary, along with other herbs, can be used to flavor olive oils and cheeses.

The popular combination of rosemary and olive oil has found its way into crackers, chips, and soft cheese spreads. Rosemary and black pepper have also become a trendy gourmet flavor combination

DRIED VS FRESH ROSEMARY

Because rosemary has a low moisture content even when fresh, it retains its flavor after drying.

Dried rosemary tends to have even tougher leaves and should definitely be crushed or chopped prior to adding to recipes. It should be kept in an air-tight container away from light and heat. When stored properly, dried rosemary will retain flavor and potency for up to a year.

Fresh rosemary is often sold in bunches or small packages containing a few sprigs. It should be kept refrigerated, either in the original plastic packaging or wrapped lightly in plastic. Fresh rosemary is hearty and when stored properly should retain flavor and potency for up to two weeks.

When faced with an overabundance of fresh rosemary, it can be easily dried at home for storage and later use. To dry rosemary, simply tie sprigs together and hang the bunch inverted in a dry place. Make sure to keep the rosemary away from moisture to prevent mold and fungus growth. Once dried, store the rosemary in an air-tight container away from heat and moisture.

WHERE TO BUY?

You can find dried rosemary in the spice section of a grocery store. Fresh rosemary may be sold with other herbs in the produce section. It is easy to grow rosemary either outdoors or indoors. It may not survive over the winter outdoors in northern zones and should be brought inside.

FLAVOR

Spicy/Camphor/Pine needle

MEDICINAL FACTS

The virtues of rosemary are extolled by Ancient Greek, Roman, Arab and European herbalists. Rosemary was used to prevent balding and as a hair conditioner. Rosemary is also the herb of memory, the leaves were supposed to quicken the mind and prevent forgetfulness. Roman herbalists recommended a rosemary infusion to cure jaundice, Rosemary has antioxidant properties and is used as a preservative by modern food processors. It has been mentioned in medical texts as being a digestive aid in the form of a tea infusion. Externally it is made into an ointment to treat rheumatism, sores, eczema and bruises. An use of the herb should be cleared with your health-care processional. More information click this link (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266370.php)

HOW TO GROW?