Rosemary is a delicious herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from roasted chicken to garlic bread. If you have a rosemary plant, you may be wondering how to harvest it so that you can enjoy its flavor all year round. Keep reading to learn the best way to harvest rosemary and how to store it for later use.

Harvesting Fresh Rosemary in Summer or Spring

Those are the two best seasons for your harvest! The best time to harvest rosemary is in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the sun gets too hot. This will ensure that the leaves are at their freshest and most flavorful. To harvest rosemary, cut several sprigs from the plant using sharp gardening shears. Be sure not to cut more than one-third of the plant at a time so that it has a chance to recover and continue growing. Once you have cut the sprigs, strip the leaves from the stems. You can do this by running your fingers down the length of the stem in the opposite direction of growth. The leaves should come off easily.

How to Store Rosemary for Later Use

Rosemary can be stored in a number of ways so that you can enjoy its flavor all year long. One option is to dry the leaves and store them in an airtight container. To do this, simply place the leaves on a baking sheet and put them in a dehydrator set at 95 degrees Fahrenheit until they are completely dry (this will take about eight hours). Once they’re dry, crumble them into smaller pieces and store them in an airtight container.

Another option is to freeze the leaves whole or chopped up in ice cubes. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer for about two hours. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them into an airtight container or zip-top bag for storage. Frozen rosemary will keep for up to six months.

My Top Dishes to Try Rosemary In

Rosemary is used extensively in Mediterranean cooking and pairs well with chicken, lamb, and fish. Here are 9 dishes (and one drink!) you have to try with your harvested rosemary!

1. Roasted Chicken with Rosemary: This dish is simple to make and full of flavor. Try rubbing some rosemary on your chicken before roasting it in the oven.
2. Rosemary Lamb Chops: These lamb chops are rubbed with a rosemary-infused olive oil before being grilled to perfection.
3. Salmon with Lemon and Rosemary: This healthy dish features succulent salmon fillets that are baked with lemon and rosemary.
4. Potato Salad with Rosemary: This potato salad gets its flavor from red potatoes, shallots, and plenty of fresh rosemary.
5. Spaghetti with Tomato and Rosemary Sauce: This classic spaghetti dish is made with a homemade tomato sauce that is infused with rosemary.
6. Grilled Vegetables with Rosemary Balsamic Glaze: These grilled vegetables are brushed with a rosemary balsamic glaze while they cook.
7. Crispy Rosemary Potatoes: These potatoes are roasted until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They make a great side dish or appetizer.
8. Rosemary Garlic Bread: This garlic bread is made even better by the addition of some chopped rosemary leaves.
9. Honey Rosemary Cake: This cake is moist and fluffy, and the honey and rosemary give it a unique flavor that you will love.
10. Rosemary Lemonade: This refreshing drink is made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, water, and of course, plenty of fresh rosemary leaves.

Harvesting rosemary is easy and only takes a few minutes! By following these steps, you can enjoy fresh rosemary all year long, whether you use it dried, frozen, or fresh!