Rosemary £ 5.95

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) The rosemary was considered an elixir of youth, a symbol of beauty and well-being, a gift of goddess Venus to the people. This herb is an evergreen decorative shrub of the labiatae (mint) family with significant gastronomic and other applications by the peoples in the Mediterranean region. Rosemary was used as incense in antiquity and burnt on shrines during sacrificial rites to propitiate the gods. Botanist Alpini discovered whole twigs of rosemary inside an Egyptian mummy. This was probably either for practical reasons (embalming) or a ritual requirement. This aromatic plant was also used as herbs of remembrance and was added to wedding bouquets and carried to funeral processions. The rosemary was also used as a preservative. In the Middle Ages the popular belief was that rosemary grew spontaneously in the yards of the righteous, that it brought good luck and drove evil spirits and witches away. In addition, rosemary boosts memory. This belief is confirmed by a practice of the ancient Greeks who used to crown themselves with a rosemary wreath in periods of intensive study. In a botanological paper of 1526 AD discovered on Crete, we read: "Rosemary is for curing the weakness of mind and cold. Immerse rosemary leaves in wine, seal the container and store in a warm place". In another paper dating from the Middle Ages we get the following recipe: "If you feel weak, boil rosemary leaves in clear water and then wash your face which it will shine . . . inhale the vapours and you will feel young." Rosemary tea was used extensively for soothing headaches. Volatile oils obtained from rosemary were also used to cure migraines. Rosemary is considered ideal for treating the head against hair-loss and is an ingredient for hair lotions. It offers significant antibacterial qualities and was used as antiseptic and disinfectant in French hospitals in the beginning to 20th century. Rosemary tea stimulates the circulatory system, particularly the small blood vessels. It is an excellent tonic and diuretic. Boiled in wine, the rosemary was used in the past as medicine against insomnia.
Rosemary is an evergreen bushy shrub up to 1 ½ m high with lance-shaped leaves, and mauve-blue (occasionally white) flowers. It grows best in sunny regions, even near the coastlines (hence its Latin name "Rosemarinus"), particularly around the Mediterranean. It can be cultivated on any kind of soil, even rocky, while it propagates by cuttings from a larger plant. Before transplanting, place seedlings in water for 5-6 days. It flowers in March to June. Rosemary is a favorite ingredient for the Mediterranean cuisine. It is used to add flavor and color to vegetable oils, vinegar and cooking salt. It goes well with veal, lamb, game and poultry. Rosemary is also used as a preservative. A quite popular culinary application is the "savoro" dish, fried fish, which can be kept outside the fridge for 5-6 days during the winter. Rosemary is a must for the popular on Crete recipe of fried snails in olive oil. In Italy rosemary is used in spaghetti sauces, bread, pizza and pastries!! Fresh rosemary offers a better taste and aroma. High ranking chefs place lamb legs on a bed of fresh rosemary leaves for better taste.

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