Growing Rosemary for Our Farm's CSA and Market

Hey everyone! I'm excited to announce that we'll be growing rosemary for our CSA members, and if supplies allow, we'll also offer it at our market. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is not just a beautiful addition to any garden; it's also packed with flavor, history, and even ancient bathing traditions. Here’s everything you need to know about this versatile herb.

How to Grow Rosemary:

Location: Rosemary thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. It's native to the Mediterranean, so it prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Planting: While rosemary can be grown from seed, the process is notoriously slow and has a low germination rate. Starting with nursery plants or taking cuttings is more practical. Plant rosemary outdoors after the last frost or keep it in pots for indoor growth in colder climates.

Germination Time:

If you choose to grow rosemary from seed, germination can take anywhere from 14 to 28 days, but success rates are low. Optimal germination requires temperatures between 65-70°F.

Lifespan:

Rosemary is a perennial that can live up to 30 years with proper care, although most plants in home gardens might not last that long due to environmental factors.

Taking and Propagating Cuttings:

When to Start: The best time for taking cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

How to Propagate: Cut 4-6 inch stem tips from a mature plant, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant these in a well-draining mix or directly in water until roots develop, which can take 1-3 months. Once rooted, transplant into soil.

Benefits of Rosemary:

Culinary: Its piney, aromatic leaves enhance meats, soups, and breads.

Medicinal: Historically used for improving memory, digestion, circulation, and as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Aromatherapy: The scent of rosemary can boost mental clarity and reduce stress.

Historical and Cultural Uses:

Ancient Uses: In ancient Greece, rosemary was used for memory enhancement; students would wear it in their hair during exams. Romans used it in weddings and funerals as a symbol of remembrance and fidelity. Both cultures also bathed with rosemary for its aromatic and health benefits, believing it could cleanse and purify.

Medieval Times: Rosemary was used in bathhouses for its scent and antiseptic properties, thought to repel evil spirits and diseases. The herb was hung around baths or scattered in the water to enjoy its fragrance and benefits.

Cultural Symbolism: In Australia, it's worn on Anzac Day to remember war veterans, symbolizing memory.

Origin and Uses:

Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary was brought to England by the Romans and has since naturalized in many parts of the world.

Unexpected Uses:

Pest Repellent: Its strong scent repels pests like mosquitoes, making it great for outdoor gatherings.

Gardening Aid: Used in companion planting to deter pests from other plants.

Natural Preservative: In food preservation, rosemary's antioxidants help extend shelf life.

Additional Unexpected Uses:

Beauty: Rosemary oil is used in hair care for promoting growth and in skincare for its antiseptic properties.

Crafts: Dried rosemary can be used in potpourri or wreaths for its fragrance.

By growing rosemary, we not only enrich our CSA boxes and market stalls with this fragrant herb but also connect with centuries of tradition, from culinary uses to ancient bathing rituals. Whether you're using it to flavor your roast, remember your loved ones, or simply enjoy its beauty and scent in your garden or bath, rosemary is a plant that truly gives back in multiple ways. Stay tuned for when our rosemary harvest is ready!

_______________________________________________

Simple rosemary tagliatelle

Here's a simple yet delicious recipe for Rosemary Infused Olive Oil Pasta:

Rosemary Infused Olive Oil Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz of your favorite artisanal pasta

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary

• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Cherry tomatoes

• Kalamata Olives

• Sliced Hungarian salami

• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

• Optional: a handful of cherry tomatoes, halved, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some zest

Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil over low heat. Add the rosemary sprigs and garlic slices, letting them gently infuse the oil. Cook slowly until the garlic just starts to turn golden, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic or rosemary. Remove from heat and let it sit to cool slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.

2. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

3. Combine: Remove the rosemary sprigs from the oil, or leave one for garnish. Toss the hot pasta into the saucepan with the infused oil, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the oil coat the pasta evenly.

4. Season: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you're using cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives and sliced salami add them now, allowing them to warm through.

5. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with a fresh sprig of rosemary for aroma, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. I suggest you use Saganash cheese from the Kapuskoise Artisan Cheese, it is supremely delicious and local. If you like a kick, a dash of red hot pepper flakes can be added.

This dish showcases the simplicity of quality ingredients, letting the fragrant rosemary shine through in every bite, perfectly complementing the artisanal pasta's texture and taste.