What is Rosemary Herb & Its Mediterranean Roots
‘Sea dew,’ that’s what rosemary means, and it’s so fragrant you can imagine yourself in the Mediterranean coast dining like a king with a glass of wine in hand.
Tunisia, Morocco, and southern Spain are the largest rosemary producer countries, but the spiny needles feel right at home anywhere around the Mediterranean Basin.
The herb might have Mediterranean roots, but it’s used worldwide, so if you’re still not familiar with rosemary, you’ll have no trouble getting your hands on the fragrant herb. Here’s all you wanted to know about what is rosemary herb and why you’ll love it.
What is Rosemary Spice?
Rosemary is an evergreen perennial shrub. It’s easily identifiable for its needle-shaped leaves and especially for its fresh piney and earthy aromas.
The Mediterranean herb is a member of the mint family, and unlike other herbs like basil, that has a two-year cycle, rosemary can live up to 30 years, making it a gardener’s favorite.
Rosemary is an ornamental plant that can potentially drive pests away, it is widespread in the kitchen, and Rosemary oil, extracted from the leaves, has alleged health benefits. It’s no surprise to see the aromatic herb on the top-five list of the most cultivated and sold herbs on earth.
The History of Rosemary
Rosemary has a lengthy history. It’s mentioned in a 5000-year-old Egyptian stone tablet and was commonly found in Ancient Egyptian burial sites. Pliny the Elder, perhaps the most notable naturalist of antiquity, spoke generously about the spiny herb, and so did all of its contemporaries.
The herb soon reached all corners of the known world thanks to the Roman Empire, and it was one of the first imports to the colonies. Today, rosemary is grown in all warm countries, and it’s widely used in South America, North America, Europe, and Northern Africa.
Rosemary Nutritional Facts
One hundred grams of dried rosemary leaves comprise 64 grams of carbohydrates, mostly in the form of dietary fiber, 15 grams of healthy oils, and 5 grams of protein, being the rest water.
Rosemary is an excellent source for vitamins, especially from the B complex, with 40% of the vitamin B1 (Thiamin) you need for the day, 30% vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and an extraordinary 134% of vitamin B6.
As for the minerals in rosemary, the herb has surprising amounts of iron, with 234% the amount you need for a day, 128% of calcium, and 59% of magnesium.
Health Benefits of Rosemary
Rosemary and rosemary oil have several uses in traditional medicine, and it’s mainly thanks to the carnosic acid, the bioactive compound in the herb. Here are the most common.
Rosemary oil is used in aromatherapy, as it is said to induce a state of relaxation that can reduce stress levels. It is often mixed with other oils to produce more powerful effects, including memory enhancing.
Rosemary has proven to effectively prevent mental disorders like dementia and improve cognitive functions, including memory.
When applied to the skin, rosemary oil could promote skin health and could even be used to treat skin cancer by slowing down cancer cell propagation. Other types of cancer could also be treated with rosemary extracts, an area with promising results.
Rosemary oil can be applied to the scalp to prevent hair loss and increase hair growth in people suffering from alopecia or hair loss.
There’s good evidence to back the claims of rosemary relieving joint pain caused by arthritis and other degenerative conditions.
Rosemary is fantastic to aid digestion; it can ease stomachache and promote adequate digestive health. It could also help prevent stomach ulcers and constipation.
How To Cook With Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the famous Herbs de Provence that has taken the French cooking to legendary levels; it’s widely used in Italian cuisine; it’s used to flavor butter and it’s the main seasoning in the well-known focaccia bread.
Roast chicken is one of the most famous dishes to season with rosemary, but the herb is so fragrant it is commonly used to season intensely flavored meat like rabbit and other game.
Cooking with rosemary is quite easy, but it’s also easy to overdo it, so add the herb a little at a time, and taste as you cook.
Rosemary is a Symbol of Remembrance
Many people use rosemary in their weddings, as it symbolizes love, happiness, and loyalty, and it’s also present in some funerals for the same reason. Rosemary is filled with symbolism, and it’s deeply linked with our culture and beliefs.
Having said that, rosemary is delicious, and no matter what’s for dinner, you should always have some in your pantry.
Highly Rated – Social Media Chatter on Rosemary
L💚VE this sweet idea I found via lizmariegalvan ✨ Teeny weeny rosemary wreaths for the most simple festive detail - I would add a simple little tag to the bow for a place setting 🍽️ Any other ideas?
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Burrata on charred cabbage 🥬 slaw, seasoned with rosemary, thyme, chilli and fennel, soon to be served with potato 🥔 olive 🫒 and fennel focaccia.
By 👨🏻🍳 chef_morrice
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Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary
- https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_rosmarinus
- https://www.healthline.com/health/rosemary-health-potential
- https://www.verywellfit.com/rosemary-health-benefits-4587436#:~:text=A typical one-tablespoon serving,, and magnesium, and manganese.
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/all-about-rosemary-3050513
Hello there, thanks a lot for sharing this amazing content here on Rosemary Herb. I must say i really did enjoyed going through your review. After going through these nutritional benefits one can gain from adding this herbs to ones diet, i think it would be a good idea to try it out and also looking at the history it must be of historical value
Thankyou much.