“As for rosemary, I let it run all over my garden walls, not only because my bees love it but because it is the herb sacred to remembrance and to friendship, whence a sprig of it hath a dumb language.” Sir Thomas More

After my successful foray into mint, my very slow growing mint, here’s the current size of the seedlings:

I thought I’d explore my knowledge of herbs a little further and finally work out what I can do with d the the Rosemary that seems to grow unstoppably throughout my garden.  Honestly, it seems to be one of the happiest, most resistant herbs I’ve grown and the little purple flowers that adorn it in spring are adorable.

Here’s the bio on Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):

Looks

A large, dark green bushy herb, that can grow up to six foot.  The leaves are a little like pine needles and are the source of a very strong scent that manifests itself with warm weather/ brushing against the plant/using it in cooking or just rubbing a few leaves between your fingers.  The branches are very woody and can become even more so over time.

Cooking

Adds a strong flavour to already strong dishes like casseroles, roasts (especially lamb – yum), stews and in stuffings (or Paleo/Primal version of stuffing).  It is also used commonly to flavour oils, in stocks and more sparingly to flavour lighter dishes like chicken or pizza and can be very complimentary to vegetables.

Other Uses

• Steeping the leaves in boiled water for 15 minutes makes a conditioning rinse for hair and soothes dandruff.
• It is a natural anti-depressent and smelling it can elivate the mood.
• It can be put in a sachet or old tights and then into wardrobes as a nicer alternative to moth balls.

• A rosemary tea can be good for colds and flu (though it takes some getting used to when you’re used to it in a savoury taste-context).

All in all a very impressive plant and I do love that smell!  Oh and until my mint finds a way to get a little bigger, I may be cheating a little with a rather healthy shop bought pot:

What’s your favourite herb and use for it?

Until next time, wishing you a very happy Saturday!

Love

Jen