It’s that time again, where we shine the spices and herbs online spotlight on our focus seasoning of the month! This week, we’re getting up close with rosemary! It’s one of our favourite summer herbs and can be used in the kitchen (or bar) in so many ways! Let’s take a closer look and see what this herb really brings to the table!
Where is Rosemary Found?
So, where does rosemary grow? This fragrant and aromatic evergreen shrub stems from the mint family. Rosemary can now be found in a few places around the globe but it is native to the hills along the Mediterranean, Portugal, north-western Spain and France. Rosemary thrives in a sunny, sheltered and well-drained spots. It likes warmer weather and moderate humidity levels. Most rosemary varieties can’t survive in temperatures below 30 degrees.
At World of Spice, our herbs online and bulk spices are imported from native destinations. Our great relationship with our suppliers ensures that our products are always potent and high quality for you culinary needs.
The Benefits of Rosemary
Alongside being totally delicious, rosemary has a wide array of health benefits. This herb is a rich source of antioxidants, with anti-inflammatory compounds which help to boost the immune system and even improve circulation. It’s also been hailed as a powerful stress reliever.
Rosemary can help treat indigestion and can even fight off damage caused by free radicals in the brain. Rosemary contains an ingredient called carnosic acid, which is helpful for overall brain health.
How Many Types of Rosemary Are There?
Simply speaking, there are two main types of rosemary. These consist of those that are upright shrubs and those that grow as ground covers, sometimes known as creepers. One variety can be sold under several different names, but in laments terms, there are two kinds.
If you’re looking for culinary rosemary, then an upright variety will provide you with the fresh and aromatic quality you’re after. Creeping rosemary is actually better for aesthetic purposes, such as visually appealing, scented landscaping designs.
Some of the most popular varieties include Tuscan Blue, Golden and Arp rosemary. Each variety grows to different heights and taste subtly different! So be sure to research each one to achieve your desired flavour before stocking up on herbs online for your restaurant.
What Does Rosemary Taste Like?
Woody and fragrant, rosemary is known for its citrussy and fresh aromas. Some have branded rosemary as pine like, which is apt, given its pine rosemary roots. Rosemary is the perfect herb to utilise with meats, fish and vegetables. Its fragrant nature makes it extremely versatile and it can be used as a seasoning, in oil or as a marinade to name a few options.
How Do I Cook with Rosemary?
This is like asking how long a piece of string is because the possibilities are endless! As we said above, rosemary is so versatile. You can use both fresh and dried rosemary to spruce up your dishes for authentic tasting cuisines. What we will say though is that fresh perishes a lot quicker than dried. It also isn’t as potent. So, if you’re looking for a tastier and cost-effective option, we would suggest you by bulk herbs online. This way, you can ensure customers receive the most delicious food possible. That being said, there are times when fresh garnishes are absolutely essential to a dish, or drink.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways to utilise rosemary in the kitchen:
Seasoning Meats: You can season meats with fresh and dried rosemary. Simply break off a few stalks or sprinkle the dried herb on your meat. Rub in, with a drizzle of oil and leave to sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. As your dish cooks, the volatile oils will seep out, giving your meat that delicious fresh and aromatic taste.
In Marinades: A similar concept to the above, however this time, you put the rosemary directly into the marinade. Coat your meat, fish, or vegetables liberally in the sauce. Leave to soak up all the delicious flavours over 12-24 hours. Meat is always deliciously moist inside, with a slightly crispy coating after being marinated; you’ll be left with succulent textures and a dish that tastes incredible.
Seasoning Vegetables: The same principle as seasoning meat, but we recommend mixing with a little more oil. Once heated, the volatile oils in the rosemary will seep out and infuse your veggies. Remember to baste and toss halfway through cooking!
Oils: Again, both fresh and dried rosemary work here. If you have a little time, add rosemary to good quality olive oil in a bottle. Seal and leave to infuse in a dark room for 2 weeks. If you need instantly, simply heat up some rosemary with a pinch of salt in a pan, then add to your olive oil. Stir together and you’ll have tasty, quick rosemary oil for cooking or raw consumption.
Cocktails: Although not one of the first herbs online to come to mind when you think of cocktails, rosemary work incredibly well with many spirits. The most popular include gin, rum and vodka. Pair with mixers such as cranberry juice, raspberry cordial, tonic, lemonade and lemon and lime. Fresh rosemary also makes a beautiful garnish in your drinks! Be sure slap the rosemary between your hands before placing in your drink. This will wake up the volatile oils and allow them to infuse in the liquid.
Get in Touch
At World of Spice, we understand the importance of authentic and traditional tasting cuisine. Our herbs online are known for their purity and potency, full of delicious flavour to give your food the edge. Our service is cost-effective and reliable; we go above and beyond for each of our customers to ensure that you get the produce you need for business.
From delicious, pure rosemary, bespoke blends to a choice of packaging, complete with custom labelling, our comprehensive service can help you achieve your culinary goals. For more information about our services and what we can offer you, please contact us at orders@worldofspice.co.uk, or feel free to call our team on 01277 633303. We look forward to hearing from you.
