Note: Availability fluctuates throughout the year, please understand the described items below are educational. To confirm availability please inquire with us directly.
The wonderful smell of rosemary is often associated with an aroma-filled warm savoury meal. The plant is a small evergreen shrub and is related to mint as part of the Labiatae family. With silvery green, spiky leaves, looking like a small sprig from an evergreen or pine tree, it’s hard not to gravitate to the wonderful pine-like scents and intense flavour of rosemary. Rosemary is more potent than most herbs, and also unique since its flavour is not subdued by heat.
A great bonus is that adding rosemary to your meat can help ward off the harmful carcinogenic compounds created by high heat cooking of red meats!
HOW TO CHOOSE
Like any evergreen, rosemary is available throughout the year. The sprigs should appear vibrantly fresh with a deep sage green colour, free from yellow or dark spots. Meanwhile, the underside of the needles’ will be silver-white. If possible, look for stems that are green and supple.
STORAGE
Storing up to three weeks is forseeable in the refrigerator either in its original packaging or wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel.
Freeze Place the sprigs in ice cube trays covered with either water or stock that can be added when preparing soups or stews.
When it comes time to use the herb, strip off the leaves by running your fingers down the stem from top to bottom, due to rosemary stockier stem. To reap the full benefits of flavour potential, crush or mince the leaves before sprinkling over or rubbing onto foods.
HOW TO ENJOY
Since this herb can be overpowering, we recommend that you add small amounts of rosemary, until desired flavour is achieved.
Quick & Easy Serving Suggestions
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Add rosemary stems and sprigs to barbecue coals just before grilling
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Place whole sprigs of rosemary in the oil for enhanced flavour
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Rosemary can be used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes including fruit salads, soups, vegetables, lamb & pork, salmon, tuna as well as egg dishes, stuffing, dressings, sauces, and breads
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Excellent with tofu and potatoes
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A classic Italian pizza herb, along with oregano
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Toss 6 fresh rosemary springs make a simple and delicious stuffing for roast chicken
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If available, individual blue rosemary flowers are edible and can be used in salads as a garnish.
Complimentary Seasonings It goes especially well with bay leaves, chervil, chives, oregano, parsley, and thyme.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Rosemary may be useful for energizing the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving digestion. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that may lessen the severity of asthma attacks. In addition, research indicates that an increase in blood flow may occur to the head and brain, improving concentration.
Rosemary, fresh, 1 Tbsp (5g)
Calories: 2.2
Protein: 0.05g
Carbohydrate: 0.35g
Total Fat: 0.1g
Fibber: 0.24g
FUN FACT
- In ancient Greece, students would put sprigs of rosemary in their hair when studying for exams. Mourners were also known to throw the fragrant herb into the grave of the departed as a promise to not forget the person
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In England’s older times, rosemary became a reliable source for strengthening. The people’s trust in this herb earned its presence on costumes, decorations, and gifts used at weddings
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The first attempt to extract the oil of Rosemary took place in the 14th century. It was added to the Queen of Hungary’s drinking water, and was, also, a very popular cosmetic. In the pharmacies of the16th and 17th centuries, rosemary became popular as a digestive relief supplement
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Grows wild on the seaside cliffs of the Mediterranean.