Herb - Rosemary

You might just be looking at the pine needles that where in this weeks offering and wondering what I've sent home to you now.  Hopefully you know that this pine needle resembling plant is rosemary, as if the smell wafting from your bag didn't give that away.  Here are some helpful things to know about rosemary, as well as ways to use it.  As with most herbs that you receive from our farm, drying it is always an option if it just doesn't fit with what you are cooking this week.  Just grab the top and pull downward removing all of the leaves, discard the stem. 

Rosemary is a power house herb that is packed with of vitamins and minerals. Fresh or dried rosemary contain most of the same nutrients but vary in quantities. For example, fresh rosemary is a good source of manganese, however, when dried, some of manganese is lost. On the other hand, dried rosemary contains a significantly higher amount of calcium and iron. Fresh rosemary is an excellent source of Vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, folate and manganese. It is also a good source of Vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium and copper.

Rosemary is traditionally used for seasoning lamb or pork, but don't worry if you have either because there are plenty of other awesome possibilities, like:

• Add to soup
• Add to stuffing
• Mix with garlic and use as a seasoning for chicken
• Add to melted butter, or olive oil, and pour over potatoes and vegetables
• Add chopped rosemary to an omelet, scrambled eggs or a frittata
• Add to tomato-based sauces and soups
• Add to olive oil and served on toasted bread
• Use to flavor homemade breads and biscuits