Can You Use Rosemary When It Flowers?

Yes, you absolutely can use rosemary when it flowers, specifically by utilizing the flowers themselves, which are edible and offer a delightful flavor.

Harvesting and Using Rosemary Flowers

As spring arrives and the long winter recedes, many edible flowers begin to appear. According to gardening experts, rosemary is one of the herbs that should be flowering during this time. Not only are the leaves a staple for cooking, but the vibrant flowers also provide a unique culinary experience.

What Do Rosemary Flowers Taste Like?

Rosemary flowers share the core flavor profile of the leaves, but with a subtle yet distinct difference. As one expert notes, "Rosemary flowers are as tasty as the leaves, but there's a little bit of sweetness there too." This touch of sweetness makes them a versatile ingredient, adding a gourmet touch to various dishes.

Culinary Uses for Rosemary Flowers

The small, often blue or purple, flowers can be used in many of the same ways as the leaves, or incorporated into recipes where their delicate appearance and sweet note can shine.

Here are some popular ways to use rosemary flowers:

• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh flowers over salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.
• Infused Oils/Vinegars: Add flowers to oils or vinegars to impart a floral, slightly sweet rosemary flavor.
• Baking: Incorporate into bread dough, scones, or even shortbread for a fragrant twist.
• Drinks: Use as a garnish for cocktails or infuse into simple syrups.
• Compound Butter: Mix chopped flowers into softened butter to use on bread or melt over dishes.
• Salads: Toss fresh flowers directly into green or fruit salads.

Using rosemary when it flowers means you have an additional edible component of the plant to enjoy, adding flavor, color, and aroma to your culinary creations.