How to Use Rosemary Off the Bush

Fresh rosemary adds delightful flavor to foods.

The scent and taste of fresh rosemary leaves enlivens recipes much more dramatically than dried rosemary does. Rosemary is a woody perennial plant, returning each growing season to provide flavoring for culinary needs. When you need rosemary, harvest it fresh from a bush growing in your herb garden. Collect the rosemary properly to ensure that the plant continues to thrive and grow energetically.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Colander
• Bowl
• Butter knife

Instructions

1. Trim stems from a rosemary plant where they connect with the central stem. Clip these stems flush with the central stem with the pruning shears.

2. Place the stems into a colander and wash them gently with cool water.

3. Hold a washed stem over the bowl.

4. Position your thumb and forefinger around the stem at the bottom, just above the cutting point.

5. Slide your thumb and forefinger along the stem to remove the rosemary leaves, allowing them to fall into the bowl.

6. Crush the leaves gently with the handle of a butter knife to release the flavor. Add the leaves to your recipe.

References

• "Cooks Illustrated"; Harvesting, Using and Storing Fresh Herbs; Kay Rentschler; July/August 2000