10 Mar Thu 2011
Rosemary: The Perfect Winter Herb
The Perfect Winter Herb...Rosemary
There are very few herbs that can be successfully grown inside during the winter.Most end up getting too leggy or just cannot thrive without consistent sun and warmth.Thank goodness rosemary is not one of them because there is nothing better than cutting off a fresh sprig to liven up a winter stew, add to a marinade or toss with some roasted winter vegetables.Its uses are endless and can be paired with lamb, pork, chicken, beef and venison.It can even be used to flavor sweets and baked goods.
Rosemary can be purchased already packaged in most grocery stores but it is really a beautiful plant to have indoors during the cold months.Potted rosemary can be purchased now from many year-round greenhouses so it’s not too late to get a pot of rosemary for your window that can be transplanted in your garden in the late spring.
Growing Rosemary Indoors
Rosemary does best in a cool, sunny spot.A window with southern exposure in a cool room is ideal.Cool temps limit the growth of powdery mildew, a common fungus that slowly attacks and kills the plant.Water the plant regularly but don’t overwater.Wait until the top of the soil is dry before you water again.Don’t fertilize in winter because it can cause the plant to get leggy.
As Useful as It is Beautiful
There are so many delicious ways to use rosemary.Here are a few ideas to make an everyday dish extraordinary.
·Use as a bed for roasted potatoes.Strip the leaves but don’t chop them and lay them in the pan and place the halved potatoes on top.
·Wrap sprigs around roasts or chicken and secure with kitchen twine before cooking.
·Tie several branches together and use them as a basting brush for grilled or roasted meats.
·Use stripped branches as skewers.
·Toss rosemary with winter vegetables before roasting.
·Add some chopped rosemary to pizza, focaccia or biscuit dough during the early mixing stage for a tasty twist.
In the late spring after the threat of frost has passed, replant outdoors or repot in a larger pot with fresh soil.When ready to bring indoors again, remove the plant gently from the soil without damaging the root ball.Re-pot in fresh soil and enjoy for another season.