Herb, Rue

Rue is an ancient Mediterranean citrus-family herb from the Balkans. Romans used it in spicy herb mixtures, and while it has mostly fallen out of favor due to its bitter flavor, it is still found today in Greek, Italian, and perhaps most often, in Ethiopian cooking. In Ethiopia, a fresh leaf is dipped in coffee releasing oil and aroma, and the dried fruits, called Tenadam ("Health of Adam") are used in Berbere pepper seasoning blend and Shiro.