Rosemary (Botanical name, Rosmarinus officinalis) is the leaf of a branched, evergreen aromatic shrub. The shrub grows in light, dry, chalky and well-drained soils. It has leathery, dark green leaves with light sky-blue flowers. Upright and prostrate are two varieties of Rosemary found in
Nilgiris District of
Tamil Nadu.
Rosemary has wide range of uses in food processing. Fresh tender tops are used for garnishing and flavoring of cold drinks, pickles, soups etc. Dried and powdered leaves are used as condiment. It is added to preparations of beef, lamb, goose, and marinades. The oil forms an ingredient in shampoos, bath essences, deodorants, cosmetics, perfumery, and inset repellents.
It is credited as carminative, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, carcinogen blocker, liver-detoxifier and anti-rheumatic.
