Region of Origin
Commodity:
Rosemary
Description & Origin
Rosemary is an aromatic, perennial shrub in the same plant family as mint and sage. It is grown for its flat, needle-like leaves that have a shiny dark green top and frosted silvery underside. The herb has a pungent pine-like taste and intense camphor smell. There are many varieties of rosemary and all are edible, but some are preferred for culinary applications due to their essential oil content....
Other Names
Common Rosemary, Romarin (France), Rosmarino (Italian), Thentrolivano (Greek), Romero (Spanish), Rasmari (India)
Example Cultivars
Albiflorus, Arp, Benenden Blue, Blue Boy, Flora Rosa, Hill Hardy, McConnell’s Blue, Salem, Tuscan Blue
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Rosemary has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to address issues including mental decline, muscle pain, and infertility. Today, studies are investigating the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurological activities of rosemary and its essential oils.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Rosemary has been prized for its pungent scent around the globe for centuries. It is especially popular in Mediterranean, British, Mexican, and Indian cuisine. Culinarily, the herb is often used to season meats, including lamb, pork, and chicken. It is added to marinades, soups, stews, and casseroles. In Mexico, it is used to brew a tea.
Flavor Pairings
Potato, Carrot, Parsnip, Beet, Fennel, Tomato, Eggplant, Strawberry, Fig, Grapefruit, Lemon, Garlic, White Bean, Walnut, Almond, Honey, Butter, Shortbread, Focaccia, Egg, Lamb, Chicken, Pork
How to Store & Use in the Kitchen
Store rosemary wrapped in a damp paper towel in a container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Rosemary can also be dried for long-term storage or infused into oils and frozen.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Use rosemary stems to add flavor to soups, stews, and marinades.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
32-39°F
RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
32-39°F (Cold Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
No
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
95-98%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
No
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes-Low
Quality Assessment
Look for rosemary with vivid, thick leaves and a strong scent. Avoid excess moisture, visible decay, or excessive needle drop.
Important Handling Notes
Rosemary is a hardy herb that travels well, but care should be made to prevent water loss by storing at the appropriate relative humidity.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, fresh herbs may last 2-3 weeks.