No, rosemary is not a vegetable.
Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis) is classified as an herb. More specifically, it's an evergreen shrub belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae).
Here's a breakdown:
- Vegetables: Vegetables are typically the edible roots, stems, leaves, or flowers of herbaceous plants.
- Herbs: Herbs are aromatic plants used for flavoring, fragrance, or medicinal purposes. They are often used in smaller quantities than vegetables. Rosemary is primarily used for its aromatic leaves, which are used to flavor food.
| Feature | Vegetable | Herb |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Part | Roots, stems, leaves, flowers | Leaves, stems, flowers (primarily leaves) |
| Usage | Main dish component | Flavoring agent |
| Quantity Used | Larger quantities | Smaller quantities |
| Example | Carrot, Spinach, Broccoli | Rosemary, Basil, Thyme |
Therefore, due to its classification and primary usage, rosemary is accurately described as an herb, not a vegetable.
