Rosemary

So what is it?

Rosemary is a hardy, perennial herb. Its stems are strong and thick with narrow, dark green leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean and Asia, while having a high tolerance to severe droughts. Rosemary often grows upright and can reach a height between 3-5 ft. Surprisingly, it is a member of the Mint family.

Growing conditions?

Rosemary is one of the easier herbs to care for. Whether outdoors or indoors, rosemary enjoys full sun or at least 6-8 hours of direct light throughout the day. Rosemary is not a fan of wet feet, so it is important to keep it in a well-drained area. Wherever you choose to plant rosemary, allow 4-5 ft of space for both height and width. Be sure to pinch the tips of the plant to promote full growth.

What are its uses?

Rosemary is primarily used as a culinary herb. It is the perfect addition to any savory dish, especially French and Italian cuisine. Cook it with roasted potatoes/vegetables, rich meats, or pasta. Are you at a barbeque and forgot to get skewers for the kabobs? Rosemary’s thick stems are the perfect organic skewer! Rosemary can also be used in baked goods, complementing any sweet flavor. 

Not much of a cook?

If cooking is not your forte, than Rosemary can provide great hedging for your garden. Not to mention the beautiful pale blue flowers that will light up your yard in the spring and even the winter. Rosemary also provides amazing aromatherapy that alleviates headaches and improves respiratory health. Just throw a few sprigs in a hot pot of water or in the fireplace to emit a wonderful fragrance. It also attracts bees and keeps away mosquitoes! 

So, does rosemary sound like a great addition to your garden? If so, stop by our tent to get a closer look and check out our other awesome herbs! You can find us at the Chapel Hill Farmer’s Market, Saturdays from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. at University Place. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have through our contact page!