Spices & herbs

Rosemary, fresh

FDC 173473tsp (1 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 93 · +0 vs Spices & herbs median

Fresh rosemary scores an Elite 93 of 100 and ranks 30th of 60 in the spices and herbs category, its woody sprigs concentrating dietary fiber at 50% DV, iron at 37% DV, calcium at 24% DV and vitamin C at 24% DV.

Cooks typically strip the needle-like leaves and mince them into roasted meats, potatoes, or bread dough rather than eating rosemary as a dish on its own. A 1 tsp (1 g) serving is the realistic amount reached for at the stove, so while the per-100g figures look strong, the actual contribution from ordinary seasoning use is modest. No limits are noted for this herb.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around rosemary, fresh, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 3.3 g · 9%Carb 20.7 g · 56%Fat 5.9 g · 35%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories131 kcal7%
Total fat5.9 g8%
Saturated fat2.8 g14%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium26 mg1%
Carbohydrate21 g8%
Dietary fiber14 g50%
Sugars-
Protein3.3 g7%
Potassium668 mg14%
Calcium317 mg24%
Iron6.7 mg37%
Magnesium91 mg22%
Vitamin C22 mg24%
Vitamin A146 µg16%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 173473

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Dietary fiber50% DV
Iron37% DV
Calcium24% DV
Vitamin C24% DV
Magnesium22% DV
Vitamin A16% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the spices & herbs median

Nutrient density93 vs 93 median
Protein / 100 g3.3 vs 9.7 median
Fiber / 100 g14 vs 15 median
Sodium / 100 g26 vs 35 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Spices, poultry seasoningDensity 93 vs 93Spices, coriander seedDensity 94 vs 93Spices, fennel seedDensity 94 vs 93

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Fresh rosemary grows as woody stems lined with narrow, needle-like leaves that carry a strong, pine-like aroma and a slightly bitter, resinous flavor. Whole sprigs are tucked under roasting chicken or lamb, tossed with olive oil and potatoes before baking, or simmered into stocks and braises, then removed before serving since the stems and older leaves stay tough even after cooking. Finely chopped, the leaves work into bread dough, marinades, and compound butters, and rosemary is one of the few herbs that holds up well to long, high-heat cooking without losing its character.

Store fresh rosemary sprigs wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel inside the refrigerator, where they will keep for a couple of weeks, or dry them by hanging in a cool spot for longer storage. A one-teaspoon serving (1 gram) is a very small addition to any dish, but per 100 grams fresh rosemary is notably high in fiber, at 50% of the Daily Value, and iron, at 37%, along with calcium and vitamin C each at 24%. Because it is used in small amounts for flavor rather than as a food in its own right, its main contribution to a meal is aromatic rather than nutritional in typical serving sizes.

Frequently asked questions about rosemary, fresh

How many calories are in fresh rosemary?

Fresh rosemary has 131 calories per 100 grams, though a typical one-teaspoon serving of 1 gram is used only for flavor.

What does rosemary pair well with?

It is classically paired with roasted lamb, chicken, and potatoes, and it also holds up well in breads and marinades.

How do you store fresh rosemary?

Wrap sprigs loosely in a damp paper towel and refrigerate for up to a couple of weeks, or hang them to dry for longer storage.

View the USDA source record