About Rosemary

Rosemary is a common herb known for its aromatic qualities in stews and stuffings. No herb garden would be complete without at least one rosemary plant, as it is not only good in cooking but aromatic in the garden as well. A moisture lover, some gardeners have a hard time growing their rosemary indoors, but the outdoor plants seem to thrive with just a little tender-loving care. Part of history, this herb continues to astound us for its many uses and potential medicinal properties and implementations.

History

The name "rosemary" is derived from the Latin "Ros Marinus," meaning "dew of the sea." It has made itself useful throughout history for both seasonings and rituals. It was used in ancient Greece to drive away evil spirits and was recognized to have memory-enhancing agents by early scientists. Also well known in lore and superstition, rosemary is said to keep nightmares away if put under a pillow, and to attract elves when worn around the neck.

Function

Photo by Rob Owen-Wahl sxc.hu

Rosemary is best known for its aromatic and seasoning properties and is widely used for cooking. Historically, its uses were even more widely spread, including the use of rosemary to cure gout, stave off the Plague and to cure headaches. Ancient Romans believed this herb would stimulate memory and improve concentration.

Types

There have been several types of rosemary cultivated for gardeners and cooks including Arp, which is lemon scented and Irene, which is more of a vine-like rosemary plant. Albus is recognized by its white flowers, while Pinkie and Roseus have pink blooms. The Severn Sea variety is great for ground cover and has a deep-purple flower. Many types are more shrub-like, like the Ken Taylor and the Tuscan Blue. A gardener could layer in multiple varieties in the same plant bed, as they have many different heights and characteristics that can delight the eye and nose.

Geography

Photo by Dan Shirley sxc.hu

Originating in the Mediterranean, rosemary made its way through Europe, flourishing in the kitchens of Sicily and Spain. Today rosemary can be grown anywhere indoors with the right conditions, and outdoor seasonally in four-season climates. It prefers plenty of moisture and warm, circulating air.

Identification

Photo by kristian birchall sxc.hu

This woody perennial is easily recognizable with its short pine-like needles and aromatic scent. In summer, it usually has blue flowers, although some varieties are white, pink or purple. Rosemary can grow up to four feet tall, but it prefers trimming and can easily be pruned to keep a compact shape.

Benefits

Besides its well-known culinary uses, Rosemary's benefits are both proven and legendary. It has been used to treat gout in old Hungary, and science has found that the carnosic acid found in rosemary can help lower the risk of strokes and neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.

Warning

Although the use of rosemary in moderation is a good idea and a tasty one as well, there have been reports that some people may have an allergic reaction to the essential oils in rosemary and may suffer seizures. Large quantities of anything can be dangerous, and rosemary is no exception. The routine use in cooking is generally considered safe to the general public.

Resources

• Rosemary history