*Rosemary is a perennial herb, Rosmarinus officinalis, used as a seasoning herb and an ornamental plant.

*It is also called ‘Herb of remembrance’.

*The flat, pointy, needle-like leaves are dark green on the top and a silvery white on the underside are used as a seasoning herb to flavor soups, sauces, chicken, lamb, pork, salmon and tuna dishes.

*It has a spicy pine aroma and flavor with a bitter, astringent taste.

*Buying and storage: Select fresh, brightly colored bunch of leaves without any discoloration, wilting, slime or holes on the leaves. Pat them dry and wrap in slightly damp paper towels and store in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen after quickly blanching them in boiling water.

Is it raw?

Yes, all fresh leaves in the supermarket are raw and can be eaten raw in salads. Also available frozen and dried forms.

Health Benefits

1. The phytonutrient, carnosol, functions as an antioxidant and may prevent certain types of cancers.

2. Rosemary is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and cholesterol lowering effects, which are being studied.

3. In traditional medicine, rosemary is used to treat dyspepsia, indigestion, common colds, headaches, and nervous tension.

4. It is also used as an antispasmodic.

5. Rosemary may also be used in the prevention and treatment of head lice.

6. Good source of beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A. It enhances the eye sight, fights against acne, results in smooth radiant skin.

7. Good source of Vitamin C, a natural water soluble antioxidant. It enhances the body's immune system, maintains the elasticity of skin and blood vessels, increases the absorption of iron from the intestines and prevents bruising of the skin.

8. Vitamin C and beta-carotenes function as antioxidants, scavenge the free radicals, preserve the integrity of cell membranes, and prevent the damage caused by them by reducing the risk of heart diseases, cancer and other degenerative diseases.

9. Good source of folic acid, which is promotes a healthy heart. It prevents the accumulation of homocysteine, an intermediary metabolite of protein metabolism, which promotes atherosclerosis by reducing the integrity of blood vessel walls and by interfering with the formation of collagen.

10. Good source of other B-group vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and B6 that are essential to enhance the energy production from the foods.

11. Good source of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and manganese which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body.