Curry Plant

Helichrysum italicum

Helichrysum italicum is a flowering plant of the daisy family Asteraceae. It is sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong smell of its leaves. Other common names include Italian strawflower and immortelle. It grows on dry, rocky or sandy ground around the Mediterranean. The stems are woody at the base and can reach 60 cm (24 in) or more in height.

This plant is sometimes used as a spice. Although called "curry plant" and smelling like curry powder, it is not related with this mixture of spices, nor with the curry tree (Murraya koenigii), and is not used as masala for curry dishes either. Rather, it has a resinous, somewhat bitter aroma reminiscent of sage or wormwood and its young shoots and leaves are often used stewed in Mediterranean meat, fish or vegetable dishes until they have imparted their flavour, and removed before serving.

Flowers from the curry plant can be used to make herbal tea. The essential oil extracted from the plant has been used in making ice creams, sweets, baked goods, soft drinks, and chewing gum in order to enhance fruit flavors. It is used as a fixative in perfumes and has an intense fragrance.