Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs, the fragrance of it in my kitchen, specially in the winter reminds me of summer. There is nothing better than Rosemary potatoes made in the oven or on the grill.I found some interesting ways to use Rosemary and how to dry and store it.
History and Origin:
Rosemary is native to the dry, rocky areas of the Mediterranean, especially along the coast. The
genus name Rosmarinus derives from the Latin words rosandmarinus which together translate to “dew of the sea.”
Rosemary
has been used since the time of the early Greeks and Romans.Greek
scholars often wore a garland of the herb on their heads to help their
memory during examinations.
In the ninth century, Charlemagne insisted that the herb be grown in his royal gardens.
The Eau de Cologne that Napoleon Bonaparte used was made with rosemary.
The herb was also the subject of many poems and was mentioned in five of Shakespeare’s plays
How is rosemary used?
Rosmarinus officinalis has a myriad of uses for cooking, crafting and landscaping.This strongly flavored herb should be used sparingly for cooking. Poultry, fish, lamb and beef are all enhanced by its pungent flavor. In addition, try it with tomatoes, cheese, eggs, potatoes, squash, soups and salad dressings. Well-developed woody stems can be used as skewers for shishkebobs. In the landscape, rosemary is often used to make to make topiaries and hedges. The herb can be planted along stone walls or pathways and it grows well in containers. People that do crafts use rosemary to make wreaths, garland, and bath products. The plant also produces a yellow-green colored dye and is used in aromatherapy
What about drying and storage?
Dry rosemary quickly to help retain its green color and essential oils. Longer stems can be hung upside down in a dark area with good air circulation. Smaller stems can be placed on screens.
Rosemary can be frozen, although some loss of color may occur. To freeze, place the sprigs on a cookie sheet that has been covered with waxed paper or place in a freezer bag. Strip off the
leaves when they are frozen and store in an airtight container. Leaves can also be placed in ice cube trays with some olive oil and stored in freezer bags after they are frozen.
