Why Is Rosemary Excluded from Herbs Mix?
Answered by: Yvonne Tremblay
Question from: Avril Morris
Posted on: January 25, 2004

Please can you tell me what herbs are normally included in a bouquet garni muslin bag?

We have answered a similar question previously; please see:

http://www.richters.com/show.cgi?page=./QandA/Culinary/20031227-1.html

Also, in mixed herbs we buy at our foodstores, rosemary is excluded -- they only mix thyme, sage, oreganum, basil and marjoram – what is the reason? Does it spoil the other flavours or is it because it would be too bitter?

I presume this is a dried herb mixture? I am not sure why they do not include rosemary. It would not spoil the other flavours nor be bitter. It could be included if you are using for pork, lamb or chicken; grind some dried rosemary and add it to your mixture. Your mixture sounds more like an Herbs de Provence. Bouquet Garnis is usually fresh herbs and includes parsley, thyme and bay leaf.

Finally, we have many fennel plants (almost trees!!) in our garden. Can the leaves be dried successfully, or are the leaves usually only used in salads etc?

We have answered a similar question; please see:

http://www.richters.com/show.cgi?page=./QandA/Culinary/20031016-1.html

Back to Culinary Herbs and Their Uses | Q & A Index

Copyright © 1997-2024 Otto Richter and Sons Limited. All rights reserved.