Rosemary

Description
It originates from the countries of the Mediterranean. It grows on dry, sunny slopes. The evergreen permanent woody, dense and scruby bush, that can grow up to 2 m high, has leaves similar to needles. The leaves are 2 - 4 cm long, 2 - 5 mm wide. On the upper side they are leathery, dark green and smooth and on the bottom side they of greyish colour. The flowers are bright blue, they grow all over the stem as a virtual vertebra. They bloom in summer and spring. Cultivating it is easy; we can reproduce it with cuttings. We plant it in spring, between March and April. The branches are harvested all year round, and are the most aromatic in warm months.

Growth conditions and habitat
Rosemary requires lots of sun and a desolate, permeable and humid soil with a neutral to slightly basic ph factor.. It prospers in areas with mild winters with the lowest temperatures being  -5 to -8 °C. It does not need much water for growth and tolerates long-lasting drought.

Culinary use
We add branches, leaves and flowers to Mediterranean dishes, poultry, pork, fish, vegetable dishes, cheese and sauces. Aromatic oils can also be made from rosemary. Rosemary wine helps with rheumatism, poisons and tension. It improves circulation, helps with digestion, strengthens the heart and functions as a stimulant. Pharmacologically important substances are flavonoids, triterpenes, coffee derivatives and essential oils.

Sources:
Karin Greiner, angelika Weber: Zelišča od A do Ž, Narava d.o.o. Kranj, 2007
Simon Ašič: domača lekarna Simona Ašiča, Celjska Mohorjeva družba, 2008