Rosemary is a plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) whose leaves are used to flavour foods.
The name “rosemary” has nothing to do with the rose or the name Mary, but derives from the Latin name "ros marinus" which literally means “dew of the sea.”
Usage of rosemary dates back to 500 B.C. when it was used as a culinary and medicinal herb by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Rosemary was considered sacred to ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks.
Rosemary is also used to scent cosmetics, perfumes and in insect repellants.
Rosemary is slightly stimulating; in traditional medicine it was a popular aromatic constituent of tonics and liniments.
Most commercially used, dried rosemary comes to us from Spain, France and Morocco.
It is easily pruned into shapes and has been used for topiary.
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