Rosemary herb grows all over the world. The evergreen shrub is native to the Mediterranean region and can grow up to 6 feet tall. The herb's versatility makes it a desirable addition to kitchens and gardens. It may be used as an aromatic to freshen the air, as a spice added to dishes to give them a pungent, smoky flavor and as an herbal medicinal aid to memory and digestion. Rosemary may be used fresh or dried.
Vitamins, Minerals and Other Nutrients
Fresh and dried rosemary contains an impressive number of vitamins, including vitamins A and C as well as B vitamins, B-6, riboflavin, thiamin, folate, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Rosemary also contains lipids, or fats, in the form of fatty acids and phytoesterols, and 18 amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Several minerals are also included in this herb's nutritional profile. Calcium, iron, phosophorous, manganese, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc and copper are present to varying degrees in both the dried and fresh herb. The mineral content of the herb is somewhat dependent on the soil in which it is grown.
Antioxidants
A report completed by a group of researchers from the Burnham Institute for Medical Research has shown that rosemary contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. One of these antioxidants, carnosic acid, protects the tissues of the brain and shows promise in the prevention of degenerative brain disorders like Alzheimer's and age-related memory impairment.
Adding Rosemary to Your Recipes
Fresh rosemary may be purchased as a potted plant, and sprigs of the plant are snipped and bagged for sale in the produce section of some grocers and health food stores. You can also find dried rosemary leaves in the spice section of most grocery stores.
Ways to Enjoy Rosemary
You can enjoy rosemary as a tea by combining two teaspoons of dried leaves with two cups freshly boiled water. Another option is to make an oil infusion by gently warming the vegetable oil of your choice and allowing the herb to steep in the oil for several days. Rosemary may also be added to pickling mixtures, marinades and meat rubs for additional flavor.
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