Savory, c/s

Background:

The name Savory is given to two very closely related herbs, summer savory (S. hortensis) and winter savory (S. montana.) Both are aromatic members of the mint family. The Savorys are native to southern Europe and are commonly cultivated in gardens, grown in containers, and in window gardens.

Summer savory's flavor is mildly peppery and delicately pungent. In use for many centuries, summer savory was said to have aphrodisiac properties, winter savory was ascribed the opposite effect. Hippocrates referred to medicinal uses of the Saturejas. Its Latin name is for Saturn. Virgil considered the Savorys to be the most fragrant herbs and provided plantings of them to enhance health and happiness of bees and increase their honey production. Shakespeare named savory in The Winter's Tale.

Savory readily complements many other culinary herbs. It is included in our Lemon Pepper Blend. This herb is especially prized in preparations of beans and legumes, egg dishes, cheese and noodle dishes, grains, fish, and meats. A useful ratio is one tablespoon savory for each 16 oz. serving of these protein-rich foods. Works well in broth-based soups and cream soups, gruels and chowders, and sauces including pizza sauces where the suggested use is 1 to 2 tsp per serving.

Can be added into oils or vinegars and allowed to marry over time. These, in turn, can be used to impart their savory flavor to a variety of salad dressing and marinade recipes. The oil can be used for cooking. Savory is highly prized for the wonderful flavor it provides in recipes involving legumes. In German its common name quite literally means bean herb. The herb is included in traditional recipes of sausage and grain sausage. It is a natural compliment to beans and onions.

Savory is related to the English word savoury, used to describe something of benefit. In Nicholas Culpepper's classic tome, published in London in 1652, he includes information on the Savorys: 'Both these are so well known being entertained as constant Inhabitants in our Gardens.' 'The juice dropped into the eyes removes dimness of sight if it proceed from thin humours distilled from the brain. The juice heated with oil of Roses and dropped in the ears removes noise and singing and deafness.' and 'It cutteth tough Flegm in the Chest and Lungs, and helpeth to expectorate it the more easily; It quencheth'

Applications: Carminative, digestive, appetite stimulant, expectorant, mild antiseptic, tonic.
Summer savory is used for its overall benefits to the digestive system. Used in tea to quench thirst, as a remedy for mild coughs, and minor throat irritations. May alleviate colic and mild flatulent reactions to foods. Savory is stimulating to digestion.
A strong tea of savory is taken to relieve altitude sickness.

A concentrated decoction of dried leaf may be applied in a wash to relieve the pain of bee and wasp stings. Fresh leaf may also be applied to stings.

Include in herbal bath for its stimulating properties.