Rosemarinus officinalis

A strong flavored, hardy evergreen herb. With its aromatic, needle-shaped, blue-green leaves, it is easily identified. Silver and gold-striped varieties are also available. In late spring and during mild weather it produces blue, white or pink flowers.

This herb grows best in light, dry soil and prefers a sheltered position. It is more fragrant if frown on a chalky soil.

Rosemary is said to thrive in households where "the mistress, not the master, rules"! Rosemary shrubs can be found growing wild in the Mediterranean and its distinctive flavor can be tasted in the cooking of Provence, Italy and Spain. The leaves should be finely chopped for use in cooking. Alternatively, whole sprigs of rosemary can be laid on meats to be roasted or broiled, or added to soups and casseroles. Remember to remove the sprigs before serving.

Uses: Rosemary is the herb of remembrance, and sprigs are often carried at country funerals or woven into wreaths.

Legends: Historically rosemary is assiciated with the Virgin Mary. There are two slightly different legends. According to one, rosemary flowers are supposed to have taken their color from her blue cloak when she laid it over a rosemary bush to dry. The other story relates how rosemary bushes suddely bloomed when Mary spread Christ´s clothes on them to dry in the sun.

"A few slices of bread and home-made lard, flavoured with rosemary, and plenty of green food went down good as they used to say."
Lark Rise to Candleford - Flora Thompson

"There´s Rosemary, that´s for remembrance; Pray you love, remember."
Hamlet - William Shakespeare