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What kind of rosemary can you cook with?
BEST CULINARY KINDS You can use any R. officinalis for cooking, but upright kinds with broader leaves contain more aromatic oil. 'Tuscan Blue' is the favorite of many chefs, but 'Blue Spires' and 'Miss Jessup's Upright' are also good.
Which rosemary is poisonous?
The narrow green leaves are about 3 cm (1.2 inches) long and resemble those of true rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), which is unrelated. The small pinkish white flowers are urn-shaped and grow in small terminal clusters. All parts of the plant contain andromedotoxin and are considered poisonous.
Are there different varieties of rosemary?
There are basically two types of rosemary, those that are upright shrubs and those that grow as ground covers. Beyond that things get a little more complex, especially since one variety may be sold under several different names.
How do you pick rosemary for cooking?
Harvesting Rosemary Most herbs are best just before flowering when the oils are at their peak. Cut the stems in the morning just after the dew dries and before the heat of the day is at its height. Use pruners when harvesting rosemary from mature plants with woody stems. Wash the stems before you begin drying rosemary.
Does rosemary raise blood pressure?
The results have shown consistency with a previous rosemary oil massage study which found that rosemary oil increased blood pressure and respiratory rates [7].
Is some rosemary not edible?
Because common rosemary is edible, all varieties are edible, but they do slightly vary in flavor and in their growth habits. Rosemary plants grow as perennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10.
Can all rosemary be used for cooking?
Yes. All of the rosemary herbs can be used for cooking. The leaves on this variety are wide and very aromatic and especially nice to use on the barbecue.
What is the most aromatic rosemary?
Arp Rosemary This rosemary variety is one of the most fragrant rosemaries and a favorite of chefs. Use as a hedge, border or herb garden.
How can I tell what kind of rosemary I have?
Most rosemary blooms in the summer in mild climates, but plants growing where the winters are warm may bloom year round. Attempt to identify fresh rosemary in the store. Look for stems, sometimes still attached to the roots, where the needles are green and have a strong aroma, which indicate freshness.
Can you use rosemary straight from the plant?
Yes, you can use rosemary straight from the plant. But it's ideal to give it a quick rinse before consuming, especially for branches that are low to the ground.
Does rosemary regrow after cutting?
Yes, rosemary will regrow after cutting, as long as it's done properly. Stick to trimming the green stems only, and prune it regularly for the best success.
Does rosemary need to be dried before using?
Like most dried herbs, dried rosemary will not be as potent as fresh rosemary, but drying fresh rosemary can be a way to preserve the herb. You can use dried rosemary to season meats and vegetables, and to flavor breads and pastries.
Is rosemary toxic to humans?
Rosemary leaf is possibly safe for most people when taken as a medicine for up to 4 weeks. But taking undiluted rosemary oil or very large amounts of rosemary leaf is likely unsafe. Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, and skin redness.
How do you know if rosemary is edible?
All varieties of rosemary are edible, but SFGate says some are more suited to cooking, while others thrive as ornamental shrubs. Two particular cultivars, Tuscan Blue and Spice Island, are chef favorites.
How do you identify rosemary?
Check that the long, thin needles start forming about a quarter of the way up from the base of the branch and grow densely, pointing upwards. Look for needles that are dark greenish gray in color with a vein in the center of each needle. Healthy rosemary needles remain green all year.
Can you eat native rosemary?
Much like exotic rosemary, Wild Rosemary offers a warm and grassy smell and flavour, and can be used both fresh and dried in a variety of savory and sweet dishes. Cream-coloured flowers may bloom from Summer through to late Autumn — these are also edible, and may serve as an attractive garnish for aesthetic platings.
Uses
As a culinary herb, rosemary is used to enhance meat dishes and, because it is native to the Mediterranean region, in Mediterranean recipes. The pleasant fragrance is also thought to be beneficial: The ancient Greeks used to wear springs of rosemary in an effort to increase memory and enhance concentration.
Selected Varieties
The 'Tuscan Blue' cultivar (Rosmarinus officinalis 'Tuscan Blue') grows to 7 feet tall and wide and is an excellent choice if you want a tough plant, as it is considered one of the hardiest varieties. It is also a chef favorite.
Culture
Rosemary is relatively easy to grow. It is tolerant of drought, heat waves, windy conditions and salt spray. Insect infestations are not a problem, and hungry deer and rabbits avoid the plant. Rosemary can suffer from root rot, so plant it in a well-draining spot, and in full sun for best growth.
Other Considerations
Rosemary can tolerate frost, but if temperatures dip much below the teens, it can be damaged. Prolonged periods of below-freezing temperatures can kill off some of the evergreen branches. If your area may get especially chilly, plant rosemary beside walls or fences where it is partially sheltered.
The 12 Different Types of Rosemary Plants
There are dozens of rosemary varieties around the world. Below, you will find the 12 most popular types of rosemary plants. These plants are a great place to start if you want to start growing rosemary in your home or garden.
What Is the Most Popular Rosemary Plant?
The most popular type of rosemary plant depends on the intended use of the plant. After all, rosemary plants used for cooking are different from those used for topiaries.
Conclusion
Even though we covered quite a few rosemary varieties, these are far from being the only rosemary varieties out there. Still, these 12 rosemary types are a great place to start since they are the most common for cooking and gardening purposes.
Which kind of rosemary for cooking?
Interested in trying to grow some rosemary, and didn't realize there are so many different kinds. Which rosemary is best for cooking please? Thank you.
Comments (13)
all varieties are good for cooking....which one you choose will depend on your growing conditions and if you want a creeping plant or a more upright plant, if you intend to keep it pruned and how cold your winters are. Linda c
BEST CULINARY KINDS
You can use any R. officinalis for cooking, but upright kinds with broader leaves contain more aromatic oil. ‘Tuscan Blue’ is the favorite of many chefs, but ‘Blue Spires’ and ‘Miss Jessup’s Upright’ are also good. So is ‘Spice Island’, which is normally sold in the herb section; it grows into an upright, 4- to 5-foot-tall shrub.
SOURCES
Garden centers and nurseries may carry only a few kinds of rosemary, but most can usually order other varieties from wholesale growers on request. Or order plants from the following mail-order suppliers.
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