Rosemary is a lovely, grey-green bush with narrow, needle-like leaves which resemble those of lavender. The flowers are pale blue or pale purple. The bush grows to about twelve inches tall.

Rosemary has a pleasant, characteristic scent with a hint of camphor. The fresh leaves and tips of the shoots have a distinct taste, while the dried leaves are much stronger and should be added to your dishes with care.

The Latin name for Rosemary is Rosmarinus, which means "Mist from the Sea", which indicates the natural growing place of this herb.

Certainly not a hardy plant, if to be grown outdoors in the colder parts of the country, it must be sown again every year. However, it is an excellent house plant for the window. It can be propagated with either seed or cuttings. Cuttings are usually easier. Take the cuttings in spring or fall. Cut off two-inch shoots and put them in pots of light sandy soil which has been watered well. Place the pots in a shady spot and wait for the cuttings to strike root. Don't let them dry out.

Rosemary grows best in a light, nourishing soil. The pots should not be too big in relation to the plant. Put the plant out in a warm, sheltered spot in the summer. It will grow happily on a balcony or in a sheltered place in the garden. Bur the pot half-way in the soil, or put it inside a larger pot to prevent the soil from drying out. keep the Rosemary in a light, cool place for the winter between 50 and 60°F and water sparingly.

Orange Rosemary Poached Catfish

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons diced red onion
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/8 Teaspoon black pepper
1/4 Teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 Cup fresh orange juice
1/4 Teaspoon  dried rosemary, crushed,
OR 1Teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 1/4 Pounds catfish fillets

1.  Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add onion and cook for 5 minutes or until soft but not brown.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper and stir in orange zest, orange juice and rosemary; stir and cook for 1 minute.  Add catfish fillets and reduce heat to medium-low.  Cover tightly and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

2.  Place catfish on serving plates and spoon sauce from skillet over fillets.  Garnish with orange slices.

Recipe complements of: Southern Pride Catfish Company
P. O. Box 436
Greensboro, Alabama 36744

A WORD OF CAUTION:

Rosemary is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses. However, there have been occasional reports of allergic reactions. Large quantities of rosemary leaves, because of their volatile oil content, can cause serious side effects, including vomiting, spasms, coma and, in some cases, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use rosemary in quantities larger than those normally used in cooking. An overdose of rosemary may induce a miscarriage or cause damage to the fetus. Rosemary oil, taken orally, can trigger convulsions and should not be used internally.

Topical preparations containing rosemary oil are potentially harmful to hypersensitive people who may be allergic to camphor.