Home Herbs A to Z Savory (Satureja spp.)
Savory (Satureja spp.) Print E-mail

Once upon a time, an aphrodisiac...

In the Garden | Culinary | Fragrance | Medicinal use

Popular Garden Varieties

Summer Savory

Winter Savory

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In the Garden

Growth Characteristics:

  • Useful edging plant,
  • Summer Savory ( S. hortensis ):
    • Annual, Frost tolerant,
    • Height: ±45cm; Spread: ±30cm,
    • Small white/mauve flowers in summer,
    • Leaves are aromatic, oblong, pointed and greyish,
    • Known as the Bean herb,
  • Winter Savory ( S. montana ):
    • Perennial, Evergreen, Frost tolerant,
    • Height: ±40cm; Spread: ±30cm,
    • Small white/pink flowers in summer,
    • Leaves are dark green, linear and very aromatic,

Cultivation:

  • Full sun; Well drained, composted soil,

     

Harvesting:

  • Pick fresh leaves and flowers throughout the year,

     

Companion Planting:

  • Vegetables: Plant with Beans, Onions, Attracting Beneficial insects: Bees,

Repellant for:

  • Whitefly,

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Culinary use

Use Winter and Summer Savory leaves. The flavour is hot and peppery and can be used with:

  • Vegetables, Pulses, Widely used in bean dishes as it helps to prevent flatulence,
  • Fresh Salads,
  • Eggs,
  • Rich meats, Flavouring Salami, Sausages, Chicken,
  • Use as a replacement for Salt and Pepper if on a salt free diet, Butters, Marinades, Vinegars, Oils, Savory Jellies, Stuffings,
  • An ingredient of herbes de Provence , with Rosemary, Thyme and Origanum,
  • Italian dishes,

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Fragrance
  • Add to the bath or use as a facial steam as an astringent and antiseptic for oily skin,

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Medicinal use

Summer Savory may be beneficial in the following cases:

General
  • Alleviate the pain of bee stings if rubbed on the affected spot,
  • Considered a stimulant and was once in demand as an aphrodisiac,
  • Use as an antiseptic gargle,
Lymphatic System
  • Bronchial conditions, Sore throat,
Digestive system
  • Stimulate appetite,
  • Ease indigestion and flatulence

 

Preparation and dosage:

  • TEA:
    A cup, 2 times per day,

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Featured Herb

Bay Leaf:
Use fresh Bay leaves when cooking to really get the best out of it. A versatile herb that goes well with savoury dishes as well as milk and rice puddings.

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