As the seasons begin to change I like to try and do my best to get in the fresh herbs while I can and preserve the rest. One plant that seems to always be thriving in my back yard is Rosemary. The following 2 posts, Rosemary part 1 & 2 will highlight the uses of rosemary, the therapeutic and healing qualities of rosemary and give you a few of my favorite ways to use rosemary in the kitchen.
Rosemary is a culinary herb that has healing benefits. It is native to the Mediterranean but grows everywhere in Southern Europe and can be cultivated around the world.
Growing and Harvesting:
Rosemary can be grown from seeds or cuttings and thrives in a warm, moderately dry climate. The leaves of the plant are best harvested in the summer when they are flowering and can be dried, distilled for their oils, used for a tincture or brewed as tea.
Uses traditional and current:
Circulatory stimulant: it is useful improving memory, concentration and hair growth, as well as soothing headaches. It can be valuable for fainting and weakness due to poor circulation.
Restorative: it is thought to stimulate the adrenal glands and be helpful for poor circulation and poor digestion.
Use in the Kitchen:
Rosemary is wonderful on potatoes, winter squash, and in various soups stews and sauces. Check out my rosemary Pinterest board for recipes and more thoughts on how to use rosemary in your kitchen in beyond.
Selection & Storage: fresh, organic, non-irradiated is best, store in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel. Alternatively rosemary sprigs can be stored in ice cube trays with a little water or broth will keep for ~3 months.
Dried rosemary should be kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark, dry place and will keep for ~6months.
Extra Tidbits about Rosemary:
Rosemary is a member of the mint family. It was used in ancient Greece to stimulate thought and memory, students placed sprigs in their hair and burned the dried leaves in their homes while studying for exams.
Sharing your new found rosemary knowledge:
– Add it as a garnish on a gift with a little blurb about rosemary’s benefits
– Have a rosemary themed potluck and share your knowledge with your friends and family
– Make rosemary salt as a Christmas gift for your friends and explain yourself on the tag/card…