Rosemary is one of my most favorite herbs! I love the smell and flavor in many sweet and savory dishes! I throw it into loaves of bread, Sunday roast and even into stone fruit rustic pies! Not only does rosemary have many culinary purposes, but it also has medicinal properties too!
Growing Rosemary
Rosemary doesn’t like really dry soil or really wet soil. However it does do well with moist soil as it grows naturally in places close to the coast with a constant mist of water. If you can keep the soil in between the extremes you will have success. I like growing the variety of rosemary called “Arp”. It is supposed to get through our cold Utah winters in the northern region. I have had some plants die on me though so be sure to plant it next to a fence or house or boulder for added protection. In dry winters it may need to be watered once a month. Rosemary loves fertile soil and full sunlight, although it can tolerate some shade. Rosemary will do well in a pot brought indoors during the winter if placed in a sunny window and misted with a spray bottle and an oscillating fan blown occasionally to prevent fungus growth. If you already have a plant outside, try taking a root and stem cutting and planting in a pot to bring indoors.
Medicinal Uses
Rosemary has been used for centuries to help improve concentration and memory.
Eases headaches, including migraines.
Rosemary is a moderate stimulant because it enhances red blood cell uptake of oxygen increasing a persons energy.
It has anti-inflammatory properties that allow relief for joint arthritis pain and muscle pain.
It can be used fresh or dried as a good digestive aid to assimilate digestive fats and carbohydrates.
Try making a tea with rosemary and lemon thyme instead of coffee or soda to boost energy!
Solar Infused Rosemary Oil
Go to any grocery store that sells infused oils with all kinds of gourmet flavors and you may spend a pretty penny for a small bottle. Try making your own! It is so easy and inexpensive! Rosemary among many other herbs like garlic, basil, sage, thyme and even lemon or orange peel infuse into olive oil very well.
Place herb in bottle and make sure the olive oil covers it completely. Set in a sunny window seal for 2-4 weeks and then use it as dipping oil for a rustic loaf of bread. You can also do this over the stove top if you need the oil sooner. Just warm the oil on low heat for 30 minutes with your herb of choice.
