ROSEMARY

Rosemary

Harvesting –

  • When the plant is at at least 4″ tall

  • Harvest no more than one-third of a plant at a time to allow regrowth

  • Harvest at any time of the season

  • Cut a stem with scissors or pruners about one-third down the length of a main stem

  • Clipping a main stem will induce branching and bushiness. Removing an entire branch will encourage upward growth.

Storing rosemary –

  • Fresh Storage: Wrap in damp paper towel and place in a ziploc bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for storage up to three weeks.

    Long-Term Storage: “Woody” perennial herbs like rosemary can be dried at home to enjoy all year long! First, trim stems from the main plant. Tie 3-5 stems together into a bundle, then hang them to dry in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place for 2-3 weeks. 

    Once the herbs are dry and brittle, you can store and enjoy them long-term.

Culinary uses of rosemary –

  1. Roasted Meats: Add fresh or dried rosemary to roasts, such as lamb, chicken, or pork, to infuse them with a savory, aromatic flavor.

  2. Roasted Vegetables: Toss chopped rosemary with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts before roasting for an earthy, fragrant touch.

  3. Herb Butter: Mix chopped rosemary into softened butter along with garlic and lemon zest to create a flavorful spread for bread or topping for grilled meats and vegetables.

  4. Breads and Crackers: Incorporate rosemary into bread dough, focaccia, or homemade crackers to add a delightful herbal note.

  5. Soups and Stews: Add whole sprigs of rosemary to soups, stews, and braises to enhance the depth of flavor, removing the sprigs before serving.

  6. Infused Oils and Vinegars: Infuse olive oil or vinegar with rosemary by steeping fresh sprigs in the liquid for a few weeks, then strain and use in dressings and marinades.

  7. Herbal Tea: Steep fresh rosemary sprigs in hot water to make a soothing herbal tea with a distinctive flavor.

  8. Cocktails: Use rosemary as a garnish for cocktails or infuse simple syrup with rosemary to add a unique, aromatic element to drinks like gin and tonics or whiskey sours.

  9. Skewers: Use sturdy rosemary sprigs as skewers for grilling kebabs, imparting a subtle rosemary flavor to the meat and vegetables.

  10. Pizza and Flatbreads: Sprinkle chopped rosemary over pizza or flatbreads before baking to add an aromatic herbal touch.