• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Rosemary has long been recognised for its distinctive aroma and flavour and is considered a common culinary herb. However, with great popularity comes some strange issues - rosemary impostors. Walking through a farmer's market, a garden centre or even your own backyard you may come across plants that look strikingly like rosemary. Beware! There are many plants that have developed the same general structural characteristics as rosemary, so it is important to be careful that you are getting the real deal. Here, we've compiled some easy tests that you can try to know if your rosemary is real or not.

Simple Tests To Identify Real Rosemary Plant

Look For Shape And Size

When identifying true rosemary, look for a woody perennial herb that looks like a little pine tree. The leaves are needle-shaped and grow in dense clusters on upright stems. The top of the leaf is dark green and the underside is silvery-white. The woody stems and height of 1 to 5 feet are also definitive characteristics.

Smell Test

The scent of rosemary will be your number one indicator. It's strong, fresh and almost piney, with hints of lemon and camphor. You will notice the aroma when gently rubbing the leaves between your fingers. If the scent doesn't burst into this classic aroma, it is likely a fake.

ALSO READ: How To Make DIY Rosemary Hair Oil To Boost Quick Hair Growth? Know Ingredients To Mix For Healthy Tresses

Check The Colour

The unique two-tone leaves are also another distinguishing characteristic of rosemary. There is deep, forest green on the top side and a pale, silvery colour on the underside which has tiny hairs present. Other plants will typically have both sides the same colour. 

Check The Flowers

Rosemary's flowers are small, delicate and usually pale blue to purple in colour. These flowers come in late winter or spring. On the other hand, impostors like lavender have larger, more fragrant flowers,while Russian sage has taller, airier flower spikes. 

tests to check real rosemary

Ways to identify real rosemary (Image Credits: Canva)

Extra Tips To Choose Right Rosemary

When choosing a potted rosemary plant, check for: -

Firm stems standing tall in shape 

High aroma potency 

Intact, green leaves with no yellowing or browning

ALSO READ: 5 Easy Steps To Make Rosemary Water For Quick Hair Growth

Tips Before Buying

Verify the label states "Rosmarinus officinalis" so you know the plant is "authentic".

Do not buy shaky plants or ones with an uneven, loose appearance. These may be stressed plants or may not even be rosemary at all. 

You can check for aroma by rubbing a few of the leaves and smelling them. Rosemary has a distinctive and potent smell.