What is Rosemary?

Rosemary is the dried needle-like leaf of Rosmarinus officinalis, an evergreen shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and one of the most universally used Mediterranean culinary herbs. Recent botanical work has reclassified the species into the genus Salvia (as Salvia rosmarinus), though the traditional name remains in common use.

About the plant

Native to the coastal Mediterranean, rosemary takes its name from the Latin ros marinus, "dew of the sea." The plant has been part of Mediterranean cooking, herbalism, and ceremony for well over two thousand years. The phrase "rosemary for remembrance," spoken by Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet, reflects the long cultural association the herb carried in Europe. Its aromatic character comes from rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and 1,8-cineole.

Rosemary: form & sizes

We carry Rosemary as organic cut and sifted dried leaf, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Rosemary in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Rosemary at a glance

Botanical name

Rosmarinus officinalis

Family

Lamiaceae

Native region

the Mediterranean basin

Plant part

leaf

Sourcing

Organic

Also classified as

Salvia rosmarinus

Culinary use

Roasts, breads, focaccia, herb butters

Form

cut and sifted dried leaf

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb