Herbs > Summer Savory Herb

Information on, uses of and how to grow summer savory:

Name
Satureja hortensis.

Family
Labiatae.

History
The ancient Greeks and Romans used Summer Savory herb in highly spiced sauces for meat, fish and poultry.

Growing pattern
Annual

Seeds
Buy Summer Savory Seeds from The Green Chronicle (Pay in $US, £, Euro).
Herbs, Seasonings and Spices - Buy Summer Savory Leaf from Mountain Rose Herbs ($US).

How to grow
Sow the seeds in late spring, covering them with only a light sprinkling of soil. Thin the seedlings to 30cm apart and leave to grow. Summer Savory does not like being moved.

Soil condition/position
Harvest this herb when it reaches 15cm and keep cutting it all summer. Cut the tips of the plant. If it does flower you will then need to cut the whole plant down and dry for winter use.

Appearance
Summer Savory will grow to 45cm in height. It has long narrow leaves and blue and white flowers.

Uses
It is very good for cooking with meat, fish and eggs. Traditionally it has always been used with beans and in vegetable soups. Put a few sprigs into wine vinegar before making French dressings.

Also see Winter Savory.