Rosemary is one of the most popular herbs today. The herb is native to Italy, Greece, and other countries in the region. It’s pungent and can be divisive, so you must be careful when adding it to your meals. Here, we will discuss the dos and don’ts you need to know when using rosemary.

Do Chop It Finely

It is not a wise idea to cook rosemary leaves as you would cook other herbs. Basically, the bigger the pieces, the more bitter they can be. It is better to chop it finely and ensure that it will be evenly distributed throughout the whole meal.

When chopping the herb into tiny pieces, the flavor can be drastically affected. Keep in mind that when rosemary is too finely chopped, it will burn during the cooking process. Ensure that it will be coated evenly with oil or water used in your recipe to prevent it from burning.

Do Store it Properly

As with most herbs, rosemary needs to be stored properly.

The herb should be kept in an air-tight container and away from heat. The herb might lose its medicinal value and freshness when it comes in contact with heat and light.

Do not store rosemary in the refrigerator or freezer as it will affect its flavor and color. Rosemary is typically green, but can also be blue. It turns blue due to the effect of sudden changes in temperature and light.

Do Use it in Moderation

Rosemary is used in many dishes today. It can be used as bread toppings, vegetable dishes, and desserts. You might need to keep in mind that rosemary is known for its intense flavor. Use it sparingly in your dishes. If you are adding it to your bread, use it just to the edges of the bread.

Do Keep It Dry When Storing It

Keeping rosemary away from moisture is essential to preserving its freshness and flavor. Though the herb is quite hardy, moisture is one of the elements that can cause it to spoil.

Don’t Leave Rosemary Stems in Dishes

As you can tell, rosemary has a stalk. The part that you normally use is the leaves. The stems, on the other hand, are not edible. What you are supposed to do is to remove the stems before adding the herb to your meal.

On top of that, the stems contain a lot of oils. These oils can make your dishes bitter. When cooking, it is best to remove the stems before adding the leaves to your food.

Don’t Cook It For Too Long

The longer you cook rosemary, the stronger its flavor will be. As a result, it is best to use rosemary in dishes that are quick to cook or foods that are cooked in the microwave. If you cannot cook it fast enough, you need to remove it from the heat, or it will become bitter.

Make the Most Out of Your Rosemary

There you have it, the dos and dont’s when using rosemary. The herb has been used extensively today and is quite popular.

Rosemary is relatively easy to grow in your garden. Simply find a good spot for it, plant it, and you are ready to harvest. Let’s recap what you need to do to keep the herb fresh and flavorful. The best way is to store it properly, use it in moderation, and make sure you do not leave the stems in dishes. With all of these tips, you will be able to get the most out of your herb.

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