How to Save Fresh Rosemary?

Rosemary is a beautiful, pungent herb used in cooking. It is mainly found in the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mint family and is characterized by green needle-like leaves and has white, pink, purple, or blue flowers. The rosemary plant can thrive in hot, humid climates but cannot withstand cold climates. Rosemary is popularly used as a spice, as a perfume and is also used in skincare products.

Rosemary is a perennial plant that can last up to 2 years. It can survive even droughts but cannot survive in cold climates. Hence preserving fresh rosemary is important to preserve it and to be able to use it for a long time. Here are some ways to store fresh rosemary:

• Store it in the refrigerator

The refrigerator is great for preserving fresh herbs and spices. The best way to store rosemary in the fridge is to place the herb in a damp cloth or paper towel and place it in a zip lock bag or an airtight container. Ensure that the herb is not exposed to the cold and dry air of the fridge. This should keep it fresh for up to 3 weeks.

• Freeze the sprig

Freezing is another technique that can help you use the herb for a longer period of time. Simply freeze the sprigs for up to 30 minutes and store the frozen sprigs in a container. You can also freeze the herb in the form of ice cubes and use the cubes as and when required. This will help you preserve it for more than just a few weeks.

• Drying the herb

Drying is another popular technique used to store herbs and spices for a long time. However, drying the rosemary herb can take away its pungency. Drying will help you preserve the herb for much longer than when it is frozen. You can dry the rosemary sprigs in a dehydrator, oven, microwave, or out in the air.

• Infusion

Infusing herbs with oil or vinegar is a great way of preserving the herb and adding flavor to your dishes. Infusing a few sprigs of rosemary with olive oil and freezing it in cubes will maintain its flavor and make cooking easier as you just have to add the cube to flavor your dishes.

Rosemary is popularly paired with meats like beef and chicken and is used to flavor dishes like steak.