Rosemary, also known as compass weed and polar plant, is an evergreen, woody herb in the mint family that is original to the Mediterranean region and now widely cultivated elsewhere. Its name is derived from the Latin words ros and marinus, which combine to mean “dew of the sea.”

In cooking, rosemary is used to flavor grilled, roasted and braised meats and vegetables. It is also baked into olive oil breads and flatbreads, including focaccia. Combined with caramelized onion and balsamic vinegar, rosemary adds a distinctive taste to a jam-like chutney traditionally served with roast beef.