Greek Rosemary: Cooking and Medicinal Info
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Rosemary, also known as Thentrolivano or δεντρολίβανο in Greek, is also another herb that is used in Greek cooking and it is used medicinally, as well. In fact, it is one of the older herbs that are used in Greece and its usage can be dated back to around 500 B.C. The herb can be found in markets throughout Greece in both fresh and dried forms and it is the needles that are used, not the hard, wooden stalks. The herb is used to flavor meat dishes such as lamb, egg dishes, and can also be used to flavor vegetables.
Where is Rosemary from in Greece?
Rosemary originates in the Mediterranean region, which means that it can readily be found growing in Greece. It is an evergreen shrub that is often grown in pots and can also be found in gardens all over the country. It also grows in the wild and is most often found in areas that are over by the sea.
How Does Rosemary Taste?
Rosemary has a fairly complex flavor. As an evergreen shrub, it has flavor notes that closely resemble pine but it also has lemon notes as an undertone. Depending on when the needles are picked during the growing season, they can also taste slightly bitter. In the earlier weeks of the growing season, the needles aren’t as bitter as they are as the year’s growing season nears its end.
What Greek Recipes Use Rosemary?
Skordostoumbi, Stifado, Psari Savori
What are the Herbal Remedies for Rosemary?
Rosemary has a long history of use as an herbal remedy. It is often used for digestive problems, such as stomachaches, loss of appetite, and sluggish digestion. Rosemary can also be used for respiratory complaints such as coughs and asthma and has also been used for gout. Applied topically, it can help relieve muscle aches and pains. It has also been though to strengthen the memory. It has also been thought to improve the circulation.
Interesting Facts About Rosemary
The fact that Rosemary has been associated with the brain originated in Ancient Greece, where people believed that using the herb could strengthen the memory. They looked at rosemary as a magical plant that had special properties.
Sources:
Many Greek recipes are different based on the region of Greece and family traditions, so uses of the herbs and spices contained on this page may vary. Also, GreekBoston.com does not provide medical advice and the information provided here is for informational purposes only. This isn’t a medical site, please consult with your physician. The medicinal health information is based on anecdotal evidence and Greek history.
Categorized in: About Greek Spices and Herbs
This post was written by Greek Boston
