Rosemary is a typical plant of the Mediterranean scrub. Where the sun scorches and the salty breeze weaves between the rocks, there it stands—steadfast and proud, evergreen and untamed.
Native to the Mediterranean basin, this aromatic shrub has journeyed through time without ever losing its identity. From the coasts of the Levant to the Iberian cliffs, across the garrigue of the Murge and the sunlit trails of the South, it has entwined its roots with the history of the civilizations that were born, grew, and passed through here.
Its name—Rosmarinus, now scientifically updated to Salvia rosmarinus—already tells a kind of poetry, as it means "dew of the sea." And truly, it seems to gather that dew in its needle-like leaves, which glisten in the sun, holding both moisture and light.

Anatomy of the Aromatic Plant
Belonging to the Lamiaceae family—alongside lavender, mint, and sage—rosemary stands out for its balsamic, resinous scent with a wild note.
Its needle-shaped leaves, green on top and silvery-white underneath, are tiny botanical masterpieces: they contain minuscule oil glands, visible under a microscope, and are filled with aromatic essences.
From these, an essential oil is extracted—one of the most valued in herbal medicine and cosmetics—rich in cineole, camphor, and α-pinene. This very combination gives it stimulating, tonic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
If lavender calms and sage heals, rosemary awakens. It stimulates circulation, enhances memory, and supports concentration. It’s a plant that energizes—inviting movement, clarity, and resilience.
Its small blue or violet flowers bloom even out of season, defying cold and drought. They are a living testament to the resilience that defines this plant: a quiet yet tireless adornment.

Symbolism, Folklore, History and Curiosities: The Herb of Remembrance
Rosemary has traveled through the ages not only as a plant, but as a symbol. For the Greeks, it was sacred to Aphrodite; for the Romans, a talisman of courage and protection. It was woven into the branches of wedding crowns, laid upon the dead, and burned in temples to purify and strengthen the spirit.
Shakespeare, in Hamlet, calls it "the herb of remembrance"—that which strengthens memory and accompanies moments of transition.
In Southern Italy, particularly in the villages of Salento, it was common to burn sprigs to ward off the evil eye or to purify the home. Even today, its warm, rich aroma is a sign of home: in grandmothers' kitchens, in sunlit courtyards, and in gardens overlooking the sea.

Practical Uses, Ancient and Modern: From Hearth to Herbal Medicine
Rosemary has always held a place of honor among medicinal and aromatic plants.
In the kitchen, it’s a precious ally: it flavors roasts, baked potatoes, rustic focaccias, and traditional legume soups. Its leaves season meats, fish, legumes—and even desserts with apples and chestnuts.
Just a sprig can turn oil into an infusion or transform a piece of bread into a memory. Who hasn't tasted a slice of farinata with a little rosemary and salt?

But beyond the table, rosemary is also a healing plant.
Decoctions made from its leaves aid digestion, while infused oils and compresses help relieve rheumatic pain and muscle fatigue.
In modern herbalism, rosemary essential oil is used in lotions, ointments, strengthening shampoos, energizing perfumes, and blends that support focus.
Today, with the return to plant-based cosmetics and natural remedies, rosemary continues to be studied and applied for its remarkable virtues.

Rosemary is not just an ingredient: it is culture, health, home, and tradition.
It is the symbol of Mediterranean people—who scent, remember, and protect.