Rosemary is an aromatic, woody, perennial, evergreen Mediterranean herb. It has light blue or pink flowers and grayish-green leaves which are used as a seasoning in cooking and to scent cosmetics. The leaves look like flat pine-tree needles, deep green in color on top while silver-white on their underside.
Rosemary is drought tolerant, requires little fertilizer and always looks crisp and graceful even on a hot summer day. The pine-scented bushy evergreen thrives in sunny locations and loves well-drained soils. It is native to the sunny hillsides and open valleys along the Mediterranean coast of Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Tunisia.
It is a member of the mint family, which includes other popular seasonings such as basil, oregano, sage, and thyme. Rosemary is a common ingredient in French and Italian dishes. The flavor hints of both lemon and pine. It can be used to flavor stews, entrees, soups, and casseroles, and may be added to various dressings. It is a component of the popular Italian seasoning.
