Rosemary
Rosemary is part of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to the Mediterranean region, where it is popular as a spice for meats such as lamb and chicken. Its aroma is potent and unmistakeable: a mix of eucalyptus and pine trees on a rainy morning with a juniper finish. Rosemary is known as a powerful antioxidant, and it is used today by the food industry not only as a flavouring, but also as a preservative.
Health Benefits
Rosemary is a versatile plant in botanical medicine. Historically it was known as the “herb of remembrance” for its ability to help with memory. It has also been used to treat kidney stones and painful menstruation, to relieve symptoms caused by respiratory disorders, and even to stimulate the growth of hair. Extracts of rosemary are also used in aromatherapy to treat anxiety-related conditions and increase alertness.
Rosemary has a number of beneficial compounds, including eucalyptol (also called cineole), which is considered to have potent antibacterial effects and may relax smooth muscles in the lungs. Another ingredient of rosemary, known as carnosol, has been shown to inhibit cancer in some animal studies. These compounds have powerful antioxidant properties and are under investigation as potential therapies for liver toxicity, inflammatory conditions, and cancer.
The herb can even be used to help prevent cancer by adding it to your meat and veggies before you grill them. Consuming anything charred (especially meat grilled on the barbecue) can contribute to colon cancer because polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are produced from the combustion of organic material. However, studies show that if you first spice up your meat with rosemary, the antioxidants in the herb can help neutralize the PAHs.
DIFFICULTY
Medium
HARDINESS
Treat as annual (perennial in zones 7 to 10)
TIME TO PLANT
Spring
TIME TO HARVEST
Late spring through early fall
LOCATION
Full sun
SOIL TYPE
Well-drained
Growing
The grey-green foliage of rosemary makes it attractive and fragrant in the herb garden—and best of all, it’s great with chicken! Skilled gardeners can even shape some varieties of rosemary into attractive topiaries and hedges. Rosemary is not a particularly easy herb to grow in some climates, however; it won’t survive frost, it does poorly if you bring it indoors in winter, and it’s vulnerable to mildew.
Common Varieties: There are many cultivars of Rosmarinus officinalis. One of the hardiest is ‘Arp’, which is also excellent for cooking. ‘Spice Islands’ is a tasty variety that can be trained into a topiary. ‘Prostratus’ is a creeping variety. Other popular cultivars include ‘Miss Jessopp’s Upright’, ‘Tuscan Blue’, ‘Albus’ (white rosemary), and ‘Majorca Pink’.
PLANT
Rosemary can be grown from seed or stem cuttings, but I wouldn’t recommend either. The best way to add rosemary to your herb garden is to purchase a transplant in spring from a garden centre or even a grocery store. Look for healthy plants that are free of mould, with lush greyish-green foliage. If any leaf drop is visible, do not purchase.
For best results, plant in full sun in spring after all risk of frost has passed. You can grow rosemary in the garden or in containers, but it tends to do poorly indoors. Rosemary will grow in most soils as long as there is good drainage. It can thrive even in poor, rocky soils, but it hates clay. If you plant it in containers, use a potting soil or a soilless mix.
Rosemary trees have become a popular gift at Christmas. Rosemary is an evergreen that can be easily shaped, and it looks great with holiday decorations. But a rosemary tree will only be happy indoors for about 10 to 14 days before it begins to yellow, and it will usually die within 30 days. The reason for its short life is the dryness of our homes. Rosemary is a Mediterranean plant that likes “dry feet,” but it also enjoys the humidity it would get from the ocean in its natural setting. Adding a humidifier will help, but don’t water the tree unless it is completely dry.
GROW
The number 1 killer of any rosemary plant is overwatering. Only water when the soil is completely dry.
The other key to growing rosemary successfully is pinching. It needs to be regularly pruned or the result is a thin, sad-looking herb. Regularly pinch off the new growth tips, removing up to 5 cm (2 inches) at a time to promote happy, healthy, and busy rosemary!
Rosemary’s biggest threat is mildew, which is often the result of several days of rain. Once mildew takes hold of rosemary, your chances of bringing it back are slim. As soon as you see stems with a white substance on them, remove and discard them. Before touching the remaining plant, wash your hands and wipe your scissors or pruners with bleach. You can help prevent mildew by improving the air circulation around the plants: Keep the surrounding garden weed-free and do not overplant.
HARVEST
You can harvest rosemary plants the day you buy them—indeed, the newest growth often gives the best flavour.
Never overharvest: Don’t remove more than one-third of the plant at any given time. Harvest after the morning dew has evaporated, and choose a dry day. Just clip what you need using scissors or shears. I recommend wearing gloves, because the leaves have a sappy residue that will stick to your hands when collecting larger batches.
STORE
Rosemary is best used fresh and can last a long time after being pinched from the plant. I recommend storing it with the cut stems in a glass of water on the counter (only the stems should be in the water, not the leaves). Rosemary can also be dried by hanging small bundles in a dark, dry, warm place or by using drying trays (see “Drying Herbs at Home” on page 365). Rosemary is dry when both the stems and leaves are brittle. Store dried rosemary in airtight containers.
Put It to Work
Exam time? Have a rosemary bath!
The ancient Greeks swore by the power of rosemary as a memory aid. The sharp, camphorous odour of rosemary can make for a soothing bath the night before a big exam. Finely chop 4 to 5 sprigs of rosemary, tie up in cheesecloth (to make a kind of tea bag), and add to a hot bath with 1 cup of Epsom salts (if you have them). Don’t get your cheat sheets wet while you study them once more by candlelight. Good luck!
Thinning hair? Rub on the rosemary oil!
Theoretically, rosemary oil may help promote hair growth by promoting cell division, dilating blood vessels, and stimulating hair follicles. There are few known balding remedies that actually work, but rosemary may at least improve circulation in the head and nourish hair follicles. In a blender, blend 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves with ½ cup of olive oil until well combined. Strain using a coffee filter or fine-mesh sieve into a sterile glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (discard solids). Apply immediately to thinning hair and leave in for 1 hour before using a natural tea tree shampoo to rinse off.
Poor circulation in the feet? Wear rosemary to bed!
Rub rosemary oil (recipe above) into your feet 20 minutes before bed. Cover with a pair of wool socks. The phytochemicals and antioxidants in the rosemary oil will increase circulation to your feet and also deal with any fungus that lurks between your toes!
Menstrual headache? Switch out aspirin for rosemary tea!
Headaches during the menstrual cycle can be overwhelming, so you’ll need more than just your average tea. This calls for every bit of rosemary’s medicinal power!
Place dried rosemary in a mortar and pestle and grind it into a powder. (You can also use a clean coffee or spice grinder.) In a mug, combine 1 tablespoon of the powdered rosemary with 1 cup of boiling water, whisk, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Strain using a fine-mesh sieve. Drink every 2 to 3 hours as needed. People around you may ask where the lamb and potatoes are roasting, but at least you won’t have a headache!
Fast Forward
Fast forward to the health food store to purchase Genestra’s Rosemary Young Shoot Liquid or equivalent. Follow the instructions on the label.
Cautions
Avoid if you have a known allergy to rosemary or other plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae).