KETTLEBY HERB FARMS

Volume 4 Issue 1 "WE ARE GROWING FOR YOU" March 2000

2000 Herb of the Year

Rosemary

There’s Rosemary, that’s for remembrance.

William Shakespeare, Hamlet, IV, 5

Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis Family: Labiatae

A most appropriate herb for the new millennium, Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance, friendship and loyalty. It is traditionally carried by mourners at funerals and by the bride at her wedding. Greek scholars wore garlands of Rosemary when they were taking examinations to improve there memory and concentration. In the 14^th Century Queen Isabelle of Hungary claimed that at the age of 72 years, when crippled with gout and rheumatism, she had regained her strength and beauty by using Hungary water (rosemary tops macerated in alcohol) that the King of Poland proposed to her.

The genus Rosmarinus contains one or more species of evergreen shrubs native to dry, mainly coastal areas around the Mediterranean. Opinion differs on the number of species and some authorities regard R. officinalis as the only species and others as variants. This widely popular herb is grown throughout the world in gardens or containers. The name Rosmarinus is from the Latin "dew of the sea" referring to the dew like appearance of its pale blue flowers from a distance.

Being hardy to zone 8 only, this herb must be wintered indoors in our climate. Bring plants in before the first frost in the fall and place in a cool (15C), sunny location. Cut back on the watering, but do not allow to dry out. We have found that also lightly misting plants during the dry winter months can help to ensure their survival. This plant is also susceptible to mildew infestation, this can be deterred by maintaining good air circulation during the winter months..

You can propagate Rosemary by seed(species only) or by cutting in the summer. Remove dead stems and straggly shoots in spring. Rosemary plants need well drained, neutral to alkaline soil and full sun. Harvest the leaves and flowering tops in spring and early summer, generally cut about the top ¼ to 1/3 of the plant, this will ensure survival and a bushy growth habit. Rosemary can grow to a height of 2m and is often the subject of topiary enthusiasts. If choosing a plant for topiary use, make sure the center stem has not been cut, this allows for you to obtain the appropriate shape.

Rosemary is used medicinally to stimulate the body and be uplifting in cases of depression, weakness and pure exhaustion. It stimulates blood circulation and digestion and is ideal for headaches of both origins, colds, flu, rheumatic pains and indigestion. Rosemary is rich in volatile oils, flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are strongly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Rosmarinic acid has potential in treating toxic shock syndrome, the flavonoid diosmin is reputely more effective than rutin in reducing capillary fragility. This herb is also used to strengthen the heart and allay arteriosclerosis, to treat inflamed gall bladder, jaundice and in general liver health.

Rosemary is also high in absorbable calcium which helps support the nervous system and it is also a good antiseptic and antibacterial agent and believed to promote memory. Recent studies suggest that Rosemary’s strong antioxidant properties make is useful in fighting free radical damage that can cause cancer and other degenerative diseases. This herb is also excellent for the scalp when used as a hair tonic or rinse, it is said to promote hair growth and it also helps fight dandruff.

One of the essential culinary herbs, Rosemary has a pungent woodsy flavour. Fresh or dried leaves are used to flavour red meats, organ meats, rabbit, pork, fish, potatoes, carrots, turnip, cauliflower and beans. It is also used in soups, stews and casseroles. Rosemary leaves have a tough texture, so should either be used finely chopped or in sprigs that can be removed before serving. Small amounts, usually powdered, are added to baking and jams. For an aromatic cooking smoke, toss rosemary sprigs on hot coals while barbecuing.

Rosemary is also widely used in pot pourris, wreath making and other floral crafts and in herbal teas, as well as for flavouring wines and punches. It is one of the essential Christmas herbs as it is thought to be one of the manger herbs that cradled the baby Jesus. Rosemary plants decorated with tiny lights/decorations makes an aromatic tabletop Christmas tree and sprigs of Rosemary can be included in your Christmas cards for "Remembrance".

So as we head into this New Century, take time to Remember and take time for Rosemary!

Here’s Some Rosemary Suggestions:

Rosemary & Garlic Roast Chicken

(Recipes from Riversong byPat Crocker)

Preheat oven to 350F(180C)

Ingredients:

2 T butter

3 T olive oil

2 Cloves garlic, minced

2 T chopped rosemary, fresh (2 tsp. dried)

4 skinless chicken breasts

4 potatoes cubed

3 carrots, chopped

1 onion, peeled and quartered

Method:

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large roasting pan on top of the stove. Cook garlic 3-4 minutes and stir in rosemary. Add chicken to pan and brown 3-4 minutes on each side. Add vegetables to the pan and toss to coat well. Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender and chicken is no longer pink inside. Serves 4

Hair Tonic:

This is great for dry scalp conditions and thinning hair.

10g of Rosemary leaves (dried)

10g of Stinging Nettle (dried and cut)

500ml of Cider Vinegar

Add dried herbs to a clean glass jar. Pour cider vinegar over herbs, make sure they are covered. Cap tightly and store in a dark location for 2-3 weeks, shaking daily. Then strain through a coffee filter or 3 layers of cheesecloth and bottle in a glass container, cap and label. Massage into scalp at least once a day…don’t worry the vinegar aroma dissipates quickly.

To use this as an after shampoo rinse, dilute 1 part tonic with 4 parts distilled water and spray into damp hair, do not rinse out.

Rosemary Bath Blend:

Try this herb blend in the bath for a fragrant, revitalizing soak.

Great in a footbath for tired feet too. Use fresh or dried herbs.

2 part Rosemary Leaves

1 part Lavender Flowers

1 part Sage Leaves

To use place 2-3 Tablespoons in a square of cheesecloth or a heat-seal or use a reusable infusion bag and hang under spout while filling tub. You can also make a bath tea by infusing 1-1/2 cups fresh herbs or ½ cup dried herbs in 3 cups of boiling water, cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out herbs and add the tea to your bath water.