Rosemary – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is rosemary?

Rosemary or Rosmarinus officinalis is a popular herb used in various recipes, from stews and casseroles to roasts and salads. It is particularly favored in dishes that have duck, lamb, chicken, pork, and steak. You will often find rosemary in stuffing recipes and in soups, while its pungent, slightly bitter taste adds flavor to potatoes, turnips, tomatoes, and other veggies.

Other than a culinary condiment, many people use rosemary for its medicinal benefits. It is also an active ingredient in toiletry products and is grown as a hedging plant in many homes.

Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary is a fragrant, evergreen shrub with pink, blue, white, or purple flowers and green short needle-like leaves. It belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae, along with other herbs like sage, thyme, oregano, and basil.

Where did rosemary originate from?

The name rosemary is derived from two Latin words—ros and Marinus—which, put together, mean “dew of the sea.” Rosemary is a native of the dry, rocky areas in the Mediterranean region and is now widely grown in gardens worldwide.

Rosemary has a long history and has been used since the time of the early Romans and Greeks. According to history, Greek scholars wore a rosemary garland on their heads to enhance their memory, while Napoleon Bonaparte used rosemary to make Eau de Cologne. Legend has it that rosemary originally had white flowers, which turned blue when Virgin Mary placed her cloak over it. The plant then came to be known as “Rose of Mary”.

Rosemary is also mentioned in many of Shakespeare’s plays. Traditionally, brides carry a sprig of rosemary in their bouquet as a symbol of happiness and love, while a rosemary sprig is also placed in the hands of the deceased as a symbol of remembrance.

What are the benefits of eating rosemary?

Traditionally, people used rosemary for many of its medicinal properties, such as improving memory, alleviating muscle pain, and enhancing the immune system. Scientific research suggests that rosemary has a range of possible health benefits, thus validating its traditional use.

Rosemary is usually safe to eat as a spice. But it can cause some serious side effects if taken in large doses. Pregnant women are recommended not to take any rosemary in medicinal amounts.

What is the nutritional value of rosemary?

100g of rosemary contains just 131 calories, has no cholesterol, and contains 14g of total dietary fiber.

Whether fresh or dried, rosemary is a rich source of B-vitamins. It is one herb that contains high levels of folates which are important for DNA synthesis and helps prevent neural tube defects in newborns.

Rosemary is also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, and it contains minerals such as:

• Potassium
• Calcium
• Manganese
• Copper
• Magnesium

Check USDA for full nutrition information for rosemary.

How is rosemary grown?

Rosemary is grown for its essential oil as well as a culinary herb. It is a perennial plant that lives for over 2 years and is typically grown in warmer climates in well-drained alkaline soil. The plant reaches about 1.5 to 3m in height.

Rosemary is harvested once or twice each year, depending on the plant’s location and end-use. The leaves are then dried under shade directly after harvest to retain their color and aroma.

Some of the leading areas of production besides the Mediterranean countries are England and the United States.

When is rosemary in season?

Rosemary is best available from spring to summer, as it grows most actively during these seasons. Although, you will find rosemary in the stores throughout the year.

What should you look for when buying rosemary?

Look for rosemary that looks fresh, with dark green leaves and no spots or yellowing. Fresh rosemary will have a subtle flavor profile. You will find fresh rosemary with other herbs in the supermarket. It is usually sold in bunches or small packages containing a few sprigs.

You can also buy dried rosemary leaves or powdered extract from the spice section. However, dried rosemary is less aromatic with a stronger flavor and is used particularly in savory meat dishes.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for rosemary via Instacart. After adding the product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products.

How to store rosemary

Fresh rosemary should be stored in the fridge. Roll it in a damp paper towel and wrap it loosely in plastic wrap. You can also put it in a plastic container and place it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Rosemary should last 1 to 2 weeks this way.

You can also store rosemary in the freezer for longer. Before freezing, make sure the herbs are completely dry after washing.

How to tell if rosemary is bad

Spoiled rosemary will not look fresh and may have an unpleasant odor. You may also notice some brittle leaves or leaves that are too soft. If the leaves are discolored or turning brown, then it’s a good sign that rosemary has gone bad. Also, check for any signs of mold.

What can I substitute for rosemary?

Out of rosemary? Substitute with one of these fresh herbs instead:

• Thyme
• Tarragon
• Savory

Use these quick tips to create great substitutes for rosemary:

• For fresh herb substitute use, ¼tsp dried rosemary for each tsp of fresh rosemary.
• To substitute dried rosemary, try equal amounts of dried savory, thyme, or tarragon.
• You can also vary your flavor with any Italian seasoning blend.

Cook with rosemary today

With its high nutritional profile, rosemary is a beneficial herb that adds a lot of flavor to your meals. Use it fresh or buy the dried variety and start cooking! Buy fresh rosemary today.

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