Rosemary requires no introduction because this fragrant herb, which grows as a perennial evergreen shrub with needle-like grey-green leaves and clusters of small, light blue flowers, is widely used in Mediterranean cooking tradition. Despite being very popular throughout Europe as a result of the Roman invasion waves, rosemary’s journey to becoming an established herb was quite long. In Britain, for example, it wasn’t until 1338 that cuttings of the plant were sent as a gift, accompanied by a letter praising its many virtues. In ancient times, the plant was associated with remembrance, memory and fidelity, and it was considered an herb sacred to friendship.
