Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis (Labiatae)

Can be found in Cromptons Kitchen Traditional French and Vegetable blends.

This common evergreen shrub grows as a dense, woody bush.  It has narrow, hard leaves, which are very aromatic.  They are dark green and shiny on top and a greyish colour underneath.  The stems have a grey bark, which is prone to cracking, and the young shoots are very tender and downy.  The bush flowers in early summer, producing small bluish blooms. 

Rosemary grows well on dry rocky slopes, and can be found on cliffs in dry regions.  It is also an extremely popular herb which is cultivated widely in private gardens, and by commercial growers.

Used by the Romany Gypsies as a charm, it is often hung to ward off evil. 

Its medicinal uses include the treatment for depression, migraine, digestive disorders and liver problems.  The leaves are also used to make ointments for the treatment of rheumatism, neuralgia, eczema and other skin irritations, and as a mouthwash.

In the cosmetic world, Rosemary is used to make hair products.

Although safe to use in the culinary world, care should be taken when using for medicinal purposes, and the advice of an expert should be sought before using large quantities.

Rosemary can be used either fresh, or stored after drying in the shade.  As always, once completely dry, store in an airtight container.  It is best to dry in small quantities, to ensure that the flavour and intensity is not impaired by keeping for too long.