Savory - Winter & Summer

Savory is such an under-rated herb. Both Summer and Winter Savories are easy to grow useful in the kitchen and medicine box and, being antiseptic, they are great herbs for cleaning.

There are approximately 40 species of Savory, most of which are ornamental. The two used as herbs are Winter Savory (S.montana) and Summer Savory (S.hortensis)

(Summer Savory - right)

Winter Savory (Satureja montana) is a perennial herb, growing up to 0.3m high. It has small, thin, dark green, shiny leaves and white or pink flowers borne along the branches.

It is so neat and compact, it is perfect as an edging plant in a flower border.

Winter Savory can be used in any recipe that calls for thyme or rosemary, and has a sweeter, almost aniseed type of taste. I love it with green beans, caramelised carrots, and vegetable stews, and it makes an excellent liqueur.

(Winter Savory - left)

Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) is an annual and has a very untidy growth. It can grow up to 0.5m high but does not have strong stems so tends to fall over. Cut the top leaves and stems off regularly and keep the plant at about 30cm.

The flavour of Summer Savory is not as strong as Winter Savory which makes it ideal for cheese, eggs, fish and summer vegetables. I’ve also used it in salad dressings, but the leaves are a bit chewy so keep the leaves on the stem so you get the flavour but can remove it easily.

Cultivation

Both grow very easily and need little care. Winter Savory grows from stem or root cuttings and Summer Savory from seed. They need a well-drained soil and full sun. Regular harvesting will ensure a good shape to the plants. Winter Savory makes a good edging plant. Both are good companions for beans and onions.

Medicinal

These plants are good for eyestrain. Make a strong infusion and use as a compress for at least 15 minutes, twice a day.

Winter Savory – Take as a tea for indigestion, flatulence and urinary tract infections.

Summer Savory – Take as a tea for asthma, coughs and respiratory infections.

Household

Savory is an antiseptic herb so it can be used as a disinfectant around the house.

Body & Bath

Add to the bath to soothe skin irritations. Include in preparations for acne. Use in eye creams.

Culinary

Winter Savory - Use in place of Thyme or Rosemary, especially good with winter vegetables, meat and strong tasting fish. Winter Savory is a traditional flavouring for salami.

Summer Savory - Milder in taste add to chicken, vegetables and white fish dishes. Both can be used as a salt substitute