It is the most beloved aroma on American tables: rosemary gracefully and expertly flavors main courses of meat and fish, grilled, sautéed or pickled vegetables. But that’s not all! Its properties extend beyond the strictly culinary sphere.
It comes from a perennial plant widespread throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. It grows wild at any latitude and adapts to any temperature, which is why it lends itself to being grown on balconies as well. Equip yourself with a medium-sized pot, universal potting soil and a pair of gardening gloves. Water it daily, but without overdoing it, and place it in a place well exposed to sunlight. It will repay you, filling you with benefits. Cut its branches only at the time of use.
Rosemary: from infusion to oleolite, all the uses
As anticipated, rosemary’s uses do not end only within the walls of the kitchen as a flavor enhancer in fragrant recipes.
Try preparing this extraordinary infusion with relaxing and calming properties, with great benefits for the mind and positive effects on concentration.
All you need is just:
- rosemary needles, 1 tablespoon
- water, 1 cup
Pour water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Submerge the rosemary needles, stir with a wooden spoon and continue cooking for minutes. Then transfer to an airtight sterile container. Let stand for 12 hours in a cool, dry place. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer and sip it at room temperature. You will feel better immediately!
For a relaxing massage, especially on the temples and neck area, make use of the dual-purpose oleolite.
Making it is simple. Obtain a small glass bottle with its stopper. Decant a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil, then insert a few sprigs of rosemary or a good amount of single needles. Place it in a corner well exposed to sunlight and let it decant for at least a week. After this time has passed, strain it and store it in a dark, dry place.
Use it when anxiety assails you, apply it where muscle tension is greatest with gentle, circular movements. Or use it to flavor your dishes, you will smell it!
