Rosemary
Rosemary ~ An Indespensable Healing Herb
Looking like a small sprig from an evergreen tree the wonderful smell and assertively pine-like fragrance and pungent flavor of rosemary goes a long way to flavor to chicken, lamb, pork, salmon and tuna dishes as well as many soups and sauces. As an evergreen, this healing herb is available throughout the year. It grows on a small evergreen shrub belonging to the Labiatae family that is related to mint. The leaves look like flat pine-tree needles, deep green in color on top while silver-white on their underside. Its memorable flavor and unique health benefits makes it an indispensable herb for every kitchen. Health Benefits The wonderful smell of this healing herb is often associated with great food and good times. But, be assured, it could just as easily be associated with good health.  Rosemary contains substances that are useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving digestion. It also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may make it useful for reducing the severity of asthma attacks. In addition, this herb has been shown to increase the blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration. So, the next time you enhance the flavor of some special dish with this fragrant herb, congratulate yourself for a wise as well as delicious choice. Description It's not surprising that the taste and aroma of this herb, historically used for strengthening the memory, is unforgettable. It has a unique pine-like fragrant flavor that is balanced by a rich pungency, a combination that evokes both the forest and the sea. History Although it's native to the Mediterranean, it now grows throughout much of the temperate regions in Europe and America. It's been a prized seasoning and natural medicine for centuries. Part of this healing herbs' popularity came from the widespread belief that rosemary stimulated and strengthened the memory, a quality for which it is still traditionally used. In ancient Greece, students would place rosemary sprigs in their hair when studying for exams, and mourners would also throw the fragrant herb into the grave of the deceased as a symbol of remembrance. In merry olde England, rosemary's ability to fortify the memory transformed it into a symbol of fidelity and it played an important role in the costumes, decorations and gifts used at weddings. Rosemary oil was first extracted in the 14th century, after which it was used to make Queen of Hungary water, a very popular cosmetic used at that time. 
In the 16th and 17th centuries, it became popular as a digestive aid in apothecaries. Recently, as modern research focuses on the beneficial active components, our appreciation for this herb's therapeutic, as well as culinary value, has been renewed. How to Select and Store Whenever possible, choose the fresh variety over the dried form since it's far and away superior in flavor. The sprigs should look vibrantly fresh and should be deep sage green in color, and free from yellow or dark spots. Even through dried herbs and spices are widely available in supermarkets, explore the local spice stores in your area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansion selection of dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness to those offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried herbs, when purchasing dried rosemary, try to select organically grown herbs since this will give you more assurance that the herbs contain no pesticide residues and have not been irradiated (among other potential adverse effects, irradiating rosemary may lead to a significant decrease in its carotenoid content.) Fresh, it should be stored in the refrigerator either in the original packaging or wrapped in a slightly moist paper towel. You can also place the sprigs in ice cube trays covered with either water or stock that can be added when preparing soups or stews. Dried, it should be kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place where it will keep fresh for about six months. Tips for Preparing: Quickly rinse under cool running water and pat dry. Most recipes call for rosemary leaves, which can be easily removed from the stem. Alternatively, you can add the whole sprig to season soups, stews and meat dishes, then simply remove it before serving. Quick Serving Ideas: Add fresh to omelets and frittatas. It's a wonderful herb for seasoning chicken and lamb dishes. Add to tomato sauces and soups. Even better than butter, purée fresh rosemary leaves with olive oil and use as a dipping sauce for bread. Safety Rosemary is not a commonly allergenic food and is not known to contain measurable amounts of goitrogens, oxalates, or purines. Nutritional Profile This healing herb is a good source of the minerals iron and calcium, as well as dietary fiber. The fresh variety has 25% more manganese (which is somehow lost in the process of drying). Now, if you're wondering what to have for dinner this evening, might we suggest... Fresh Herbed Chicken Breasts The fresh herbs in this recipe turn an ordinary chicken breast into a super flavorful dish with added healthy benefits. It takes very little time and is well worth the little bit of extra effort, giving you another easy way to enjoy the chicken.
Ingredients:
4 boneless chicken breasts with skin on 2 medium cloves garlic pressed 1 TBS fresh squeezed lemon juice 2 tsp chopped fresh sage 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary 1/4 cup chicken broth sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper Directions:
Preheat broiler on high. Place ovenproof metal pan under broiler to get hot. Do not use glass or pyrex for this. Season chicken with a little salt and pepper. When pan is very hot, about 5 minutes, put chicken in pan and return to broiler. Turn heat to low. Don't put too close to flame. It's best to put in middle of the oven, about 7 inches from the heat source. Broil for about 15 minutes, or until done, depending on thickness of chicken. While the chicken is cooking chop herbs. In a separate small skillet add chopped herbs, lemon juice, broth, pressed garlic, salt and pepper. Heat on medium heat for just 30 seconds.
When chicken is done remove skin, slice, and place on platter. Drizzle herb sauce over chicken. And voila. This is an excellent recipe that we're sure you and your family will love. Serves 4 
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