Summer savory is a low growing annual. Winter savory is an equally diminutive
perennial. Purists insist the summer herb has a sweeter, more delicate aroma;
however today most cooks use them interchangeably. But this was not always the
case—especially in the bedroom.
For reasons lost to history, the ancient Romans linked summer savory to the
mythological satyrs—the lustful, half man, half goat creatures who threw
debauched orgies in honor of Dionysus, god of wine. As a result, the Roman
naturalist Pliny called summer savory an aphrodisiac and the winter herb a
sex depressant. Not surprisingly, summer savory was more popular.
The Romans introduced summer savory throughout Europe, where it quickly
became a popular spice. Germanic tribes loved its flavor in beans and
called it bean herb. The Germanic Saxons who settled in Britain though
savory made every food taste, well, savory, which is how it got its English
name.
Annual summer savory reaches 18 inches. It has hairy, purplish stems,
narrow, lance-shaped leaves, and small white or pink flowers, which bloom
from midsummer through the first frost. Winter savory is a compact, woody,
perennial bush that grows to 12 inches. Its leaves are similar to those of
its summer cousin, only darker green, and its flowers, which bloom from mid
to late summer, are white or lavender.
Both are easy to grow from seeds or cuttings, and both grow well in
containers. Summer savory grows in most moist, well-drained soils.
Formulas & recipes
Summer savory herb is a seasonal herb that has a winter counterpart and is predictably called winter savory. The herb is used in many European cuisines including German and Hungarian. It is also an ingredient in the French spice blend, herbes de Provence. Savory herb recipes are endless, as the spice is enjoyed in soups, stews, vegetables, meats, beans, and more. The spice mixture below can be used in any recipe that needs seasoning, including a savory herb turkey recipe.
Crockpot savory herb chicken seasoning mix recipe
To season any crockpot chicken, combine the following and carefully rub onto raw chicken before adding to the crockpot.
-2 tablespoons savory herb
-1 tablespoon onion powder
-1 tablespoon garlic powder
-1 tablespoon thyme
-1 tablespoon rosemary
-½ tablespoon black pepper
