Description

Rosemary is a hardy, woody perennial herb with needle-like leaves and a powerful, resinous aroma. It offers a bold, savory flavor profile featuring notes of pine, lemon, and sage. Its sturdy stems make it perfect for roasting with root vegetables, infusing olive oils, or skewering meats on the grill. It is one of the few herbs that maintains its intense flavor even after long cooking times.

Native to the dry, rocky cliffs of the Mediterranean, rosemary’s name comes from the Latin ros marinus, meaning “dew of the sea.” In Ancient Greece and Rome, it was believed to strengthen memory; students would wear garlands of rosemary while studying for exams. Throughout the Middle Ages, it became a symbol of fidelity and remembrance, famously mentioned by Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.”

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub, meaning it can be harvested year-round in many climates. However, its most fragrant and tender growth occurs during Spring and Summer. In colder regions, it is best harvested heavily before the first deep freeze, though it is remarkably resilient compared to more delicate herbs like basil.