ROSEMARY

Rosemarynus officinalis.

Small evergreen shrub with thick aromatic and linear leaves, up to 2 mtrs. high, native to the Mediterranean region, cultivated worldwide with similar climate. Part used is the dried leaf, which supplies the spice. Rosemary oil is prepared by steam distillation of the fresh flowering tops.

Major oil producing countries include Spain, France, Marocco and Tunisia. Distillation is done between May and September.