The name for this versatile herb comes from the Latin ros maris or “dew of
the sea.” Native to the Mediterranean area (where it grows wild), rosemary is now
cultivated throughout Europe and the United States. Its silver-green, needlelike leaves are
highly aromatic and their flavour brings to mind lemon and pine.
Buying and storing tips
Select bright-looking rosemary that has a clean, fresh fragrance and no signs of
wilting.
Fresh rosemary can be stored at room temperature if the stems are woody; however, if they
are green and supple, it should be refrigerated. It can be stored either way for two to three
weeks.
Dried rosemary keeps its flavour very well, and will last up to six months.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Rosemary can be used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes including fruit salads, soups,
vegetables, meat (particularly lamb), fish and egg dishes, stuffings, dressings, and breads. It is excellent with
tofu and potatoes, too, and is a classic Italian
pizza herb, along with oregano. A half dozen fresh rosemary springs make a simple and
delicious stuffing for roast chicken.
With its pinelike, camphor flavour, rosemary is more potent than most herbs, and its
flavour is not subdued by cooking. Since it can be overpowering, it’s better to add too
little rosemary, rather than too much. For an aromatic barbecue, add rosemary stems and sprigs
to the coals just before grilling.
The leaves should be crushed or minced to bring out their full flavour before sprinkling
over or rubbing onto foods. When using olive
oil as a flavorful alternative to butter, try placing whole sprigs of rosemary in the oil
for an herbal accent.
Rosemary goes especially well with bay leaves,
chervil,
chives, parsley, and thyme.
The individual blue rosemary flowers are edible and can be used in salads as a garnish.
Nutritional Highlights
Rosemary, fresh, 1 Tbsp (5g)
Calories: 2.2
Protein: 0.05g
Carbohydrate: 0.35g
Total Fat: 0.1g
Fiber: 0.24g