Rosemary: Properties and Uses in the Kitchen

Rosemary is an aromatic herb known for its strong fragrance in cooking. It contains vitamins A, C, B6, B1, and B9, as well as magnesium, calcium, copper, manganese, and iron. Rosemary is considered a potent source of antioxidants and is also high in fiber. Here is how to choose rosemary and use it in the kitchen.

How can you use rosemary in cooking?
Rosemary gives dishes and herbal teas a sharp, distinctive aroma. Because its flavor is strong, use it sparingly.

How can you consume rosemary?
Use rosemary leaves fresh or dried, or brew them as tea. Add fresh leaves directly to dishes; dried rosemary has a stronger aroma, so use less. To make rosemary tea, steep a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or one 5 ml measure of dried rosemary in boiling water for 5–10 minutes. Add lemon if you like.

How can you use rosemary in the kitchen?
Rosemary pairs especially well with meats such as lamb and chicken. Add it to a marinade to give the meat a distinct aroma. It also works well with roasted potatoes, vegetables, and bread dough. For rosemary-infused olive oil, add a few sprigs of rosemary to olive oil; keep the oil in the refrigerator and use it within 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Use the oil in salads or for dipping bread. You can add a rosemary sprig while cooking and remove it before serving to add a woodsy aroma without a tough texture.

How should you store rosemary?
Wrap fresh rosemary sprigs in a damp paper towel and refrigerate them; they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, hang the sprigs upside down in a shaded place to dry. Keep dried rosemary in an airtight jar in a dark place so it retains its aroma. Exposure to light can fade its color and weaken its aroma.

What foods pair well with rosemary?
Rosemary’s woodsy, sharp aroma pairs especially well with fatty meats, including lamb, beef, chicken, and pork. Toss it with olive oil and drizzle it over potatoes and vegetables such as zucchini and carrots before roasting. Rosemary also adds a strong aroma to bread dough, especially Italian breads such as focaccia. Combined with lemon and garlic, it can bring balance to both meat and vegetable dishes.

How can you grow rosemary at home?
Rosemary is drought-tolerant and easy to grow in a pot by a sunny window. Water it when the top of the soil dries out, and use well-draining soil to help prevent root rot from overwatering. Rosemary cuttings can root easily when their ends are placed in water. Once roots develop, transfer the cutting to soil to grow a new plant. Regularly trim the tips of the stems to encourage fuller, wider growth.