#SpiceSpotlight: Rosemary
Rosemary, native to the Mediterranean region, is a small but fragrant evergreen herb of the mint family and has been used in cooking since at least 500 B.C. The name "rosemary" derives from the Latin words "ros" (meaning "dew") and "marinus" (meaning "sea"), proclaiming the herb as the "dew of the sea.” It is a perennial plant, meaning that it lives more than two years.
Proteins such as pork and beef are commonly enhanced by rosemary’s powerful flavor, but the herb is also used to boost more than just meat. Try it with tomatoes, potatoes, squash, soups and even beverages! In fact, well-developed woody rosemary stems can be used as skewers for kebobs.
Rosemary has a wide range of uses, from seasoning culinary dishes to serving as a note in bodily perfumes. In ancient times, rosemary was believed to strengthen memory, alleviate muscle pain, boost immunity and more. It’s also a known source of iron, calcium and vitamin B-6, and it can act as an antioxidant and aid in digestion, among other benefits.
If you prefer to grow your own rosemary, rinse the fresh sprigs under cold running water and pat dry quickly to help retain the green color and essential oils. If needed, rosemary can even be frozen (but you might risk losing some color!). To freeze or refrigerate rosemary, place the sprigs on any baking sheet and wrap well.
You can find rosemary in AdapTable Meals Mesquite BBQ Seasoning Cooker Ready Beef Roast! Visit our Meal Ideas page to learn more about how you can use our products which include rosemary to make your next easy, tasty meal!