ROSEMARY

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis L.) is a shrub belonging to Lamiaceae family like the sage and oregano. It is a hardy perennial plant which well adapts to different kinds of soils provided that these are well –drained. It does not require any particular care to be cultivated and kept in good conditions. It grows in mild areas and cannot withstand too cold climates, above all if the winter period is too long.
Rosemary has ancient origins and over time it has widespread in the Mediterranean coasts becoming a spontaneous plant in most of the coasts and in the hinterland. It is an aromatic evergreen shrub with small long narrow opposite leaves that grow up on its branches. The upper surface of the leaf (upper lamina) is dark green; the lower side is dense with hair and it is paler. The well appreciated aroma of rosemary comes from its oil glands located at the base of the hair which emanate the typical essential oil.
Its light-blue, lilac or white flowers appear several times on the upper branches of the plant during the hottest periods of the year.
Rosemary bushes grow in best conditions very luxuriantly; it can grow up to 2 metres in height.
Its taproot system has many secondary roots sprouting laterally. Rosemary branches can be picked up throughout the year; however its leaves accumulate a higher concentration of essential oils from the late spring to the beginning of summer.
This plant is highly appreciated for its versatility; for cooking it is employed to flavour your dishes; in cosmetics for its aroma and in medicine for its balsamic and anti-inflammatory properties.