In the wild, rosemary grows mainly in the arid and rocky regions of the sunny Mediterranean basin. This aromatic herb is prized for flavouring grilled meats, soups, stews, and marinades. It is also used in desserts such as flans, cakes and jams.
Rosemary is a beautiful plant with soft blue flowers that can be grown indoors. It delicately perfumes the house and is readily available to flavour a variety of dishes.
A historical plant
The term “rosemary” comes from the Latin “ros marinus” which means “dew of the sea.” Some argue that the word comes from the Greek “rhops myrinos” which means “aromatic bush.”
In Antiquity, Egyptians added rosemary branches to the tombs of pharaohs. During plague epidemics, rosemary was burned to purify the air. In the Middle Ages, newlyweds wore rosemary wreaths as a symbol of love and fidelity, and branches were placed under children’s pillows to scare away nightmares.
In the late 8th and early 9th centuries, rosemary was recommended as an ornamental plant in royal gardens. Today, it is widely cultivated in Spain, Tunisia, Morocco, Italy, France, India and Portugal. The production of rosemary essential oil reaches about 200 to 300 tonnes annually.
Health benefits
Rosemary is a source of fibre, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin C. It also offers a variety of amino acids. Known for its choleretic properties, it may stimulate digestive functions and bile activity, and possibly help prevent digestive cramps and constipation.
A beautiful legend
Legend has it that rosemary used to produce white flowers only. Mary, just before giving birth to her son Jesus, laid her blue cape on a rosemary shrub near the barn. The cape rubbed off and, from that day, rosemary flowers turned to a beautiful soft blue. This would explain the name ‘‘rosemary’‘ (rose of Mary).
SOURCES
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romarin
https://www.futura-sciences.com/sante/questions-reponses/nutrition-sont-bienfaits-romarin-2033/
https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/PlantesSupplements/Fiche.aspx?doc=romarin_ps