When a Rose is not a Rose...it may be Rosemary!

Do the Dew

Rosemary — the scientific name for its genus is Rosmarinus — comes from the Greek ‘ros’ and ‘marinus’ (“dew of the sea”), named for its origins in the Mediterranean. Did you know that rosemary is a member of the mint family, along with lavender, sage, basil, and oregano? An evergreen herb with a distinctive aroma, rosemary has been used in cooking, medicine, and cultural practices for thousands of years.

Versatile

Rosemary is a highly versatile addition to your culinary crations. Its leaves, flowers and oil used in everything from roasted meats and vegetables, sauces, and stews to herbal butters, breads, and tea. Along with ground mustard and red wine, it is widely used to reduce the gamey flavors of lamb, venison, and other grass-fed and wild harvested meats. 

A Favorite, but not Perennial (here)

While it grows with abandon in many parts of the world, it struggles to survive in climates with wet winters or temperatures below freezing. So, in our area, it needs to be moved indoors during the winter months. Even then, it doesn’t like to have its feet wet, and overwatering can be an issue. Uffdah, help!

Having a bottle of vomFASS Rosemary Olive Oil at hand means you never have to worry about whether there are fresh sprigs in the garden (or refrigerator), don’t have a green thumb or enough in the spice cabinet. Its an easy way to add a dash of flavor to so many dishes.

After learning what researchers found, you, too, may want to brush vomFASS Rosemary Oil on all your meats before heading to your grill---Cooking meat at high temperatures (grilling) is known to create toxins called heterocyclic amines (HCA), which have been linked to some cancers. Rosemary contains a mixture of rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and carnosic acid. It is possible that these compounds might act synergistically in inhibiting the formation of HCA. In a study published in The Journal of Food Science in March 2010, scientists tested rosemary on ground beef patties that were cooked at temperatures from 375 degrees to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The oil was added to both sides of the meat before cooking, resulting in a reduction of HCA (in some cases by over 90 percent).

Cultural Uses

Greek scholars often wore a garland of the herb on their heads to help their memory during examinations. The Eau de Cologne that Napoleon Bonaparte used was made with rosemary. A sprig of rosemary was often placed in the hands of the deceased at a funeral as a symbol of remembrance. Brides often wore rosemary at their weddings because it was also a symbol of happiness, loyalty, and love.

Besides its ornamental appeal, rosemary, has numerous cosmetic and decorative uses. The aromatic oil is added to soaps, creams, lotions, perfumes, and toilet waters. The leaves can be used in sachets and potpourris, as well as in herbal baths, facial steams, hair rinses, and dyes. Rosemary is used as an astringent and cleanser in bath and beauty products.

Health Benefits of Rosemary

While they did not have the results of modern scientific studies, rosemary and its use to relieve suffering is historically well-documented. Current research has shown that in addition to flavor, rosemary brings a whole host of health benefits to the table.  According to the National Institute of Health, rosemary has significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, pain relieving, and neuroprotective properties. Studies have also shown important clinical effects on mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety, and sleep.

All rosemary benefits aside, vomFASS Rosemary Olive Oil is an easy way to incorporate more deliciousness into your diet. Try our savory Lemon Olive Oil Shortbread with Olives & Rosemary recipe with your favorite soup or afternoon tea this weekend!

Mashed White Beans with Rosemary Pita Chips

Lemon Olive Oil Shortbread with Olives & Rosemary