Name: Rosemary

Scientific name: Salvia rosmarinus

Family: Lamiaceae

Flowering period: September - May

Description :

 

Rosemary, also known as arismari, is an aromatic, evergreen shrub, thick-leaved and multi-branched. Its leaves are leathery, small and linear, with a dark green color on their upper surface and grayish on the lower. The flowers are found in groups and their color can be purple, blue-white or white. The shoots have a pleasant aroma similar to that of tea, and their taste is slightly bitter and spicy. 

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean, but nowadays it is cultivated in almost all of Europe and in the temperate regions of America. It does not need much water and can grow in rocky, mountainous soils.

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Usage & History:

 

The Latin name of the plant, Rosmarinus, means sea breeze, as it was believed that the plant can grow without watering, relying only on the moisture that comes from the sea. It is a apiary plant, as the rosemary flowers attract bees.

The tender shoots and leaves of rosemary are used as a flavoring in cooking. Essential oil is extracted from the stems, which is used in perfumery, soap making, and with appropriate processing, in the preparation of insect repellants. 

Since ancient times, it had acquired a particular importance because of its medicinal properties and it was widely used in traditional folk medicine. The ancient Greeks used it in religious ceremonies and celebrations, as incense.