What Exactly Is Summer Savory?
Summer savory is an herb gaining more and more traction in kitchens worldwide. It has a unique flavor, and it can easily be incorporated into many different types of dishes. But what exactly is summer savory? And how can you use it to your advantage?
This blog post will explore the answer to these questions and more. We will discuss the health benefits of summer savory, its nutritional profile, practical applications for using it in recipes, and finally, how you can grow summer savory from seeds at home.
What is summer savory?
Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is a culinary herb in the mint family. It has a slightly spicy, peppery flavor and is used to season grilled meats, vegetables, soups, and stews. The herb is also used as a digestive aid to relieve gas and bloat.
Summer savory is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used medicinally for centuries. The herb was first mentioned in Pliny the Elder's Natural History, written in the first century AD.
In the Middle Ages, summer savor was used to treat infections and wounds. The herb fell out of favor in the 16th century but experienced a resurgence in popularity during World War I when it was used to treat soldiers suffering from gas gangrene.
Today, summer savory is grown commercially in France, Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Yugoslavia. The herb can be found fresh or dried in most supermarkets. Summer savory is best used fresh but can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Summer savory benefits and nutrition
Summer savory is a flavorful herb that can add a zesty touch to any dish. It's also packed with nutrients and offers a variety of health benefits.
This article will discuss summer savory benefits and nutrition and how to use and grow it.
Summer Savory Benefits
Summer savory has many potential health benefits, including:
1. Relieving indigestion: Summer savory can help relieve indigestion by stimulating the appetite and promoting healthy digestion. It can also treat bloating, gas, and other stomach issues.
2. Reducing inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of summer savory may help reduce swelling and pain associated with conditions like arthritis and gout.
3. Fighting bacteria: Summer savory contains carvacrol, a compound with antimicrobial properties that can help fight infection-causing bacteria. This makes it an effective natural remedy for food poisoning, traveler's diarrhea, and other bacterial infections.
4. Supporting respiratory health: Summer savory can help clear congestion and ease respiratory problems like bronchitis, colds, and flu. The herb's expectorant properties make it especially beneficial for treating coughs.
How to use summer savory
Summer savory is an annual herb in the mint family. It has a long history of use in cooking, and its intense, peppery flavor is a popular addition to many dishes. Though it is most commonly used as a dried herb, summer savory can also be used fresh. When using savory summer news, adding it to dishes near the end of cooking is best so that its flavor does not become overly muscular.
Summer savor can be used in various dishes, but it is prevalent in soups and stews. It can also be used to flavor meats and vegetables. When using summer savory, start with a small amount and add more to taste. This herb can also make tea by steeping one teaspoon of dried herb in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 minutes.
How to grow summer savory
Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is a herbaceous annual plant in Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It has an intense, spicy flavor and is used as a seasoning in many dishes. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and the flowers are also edible.
Summer savor is effortless to grow from seed. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or directly outdoors after the last frost.
Place seeds on moist soil surfaces and lightly press them into the ground. Keep the soil moist until germination, which should occur within 10-14 days. Once seedlings have emerged, thin them to 8-10 inches apart.
Summer savory prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of poor soils but will not do well in wet conditions. The plants will need to be watered during prolonged dry periods. Fertilize savory summer plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10.
Harvest leaves any time during the growing season by cutting back stems to 4 inches above ground level. This will encourage new growth. Cut stems just before flowering for dried herbs and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place until fully dry.
Summer savory recipes
Summer savory is an herb with a long history of use in many different cultures. The benefits of summer flavorful are numerous, and it has been used for everything from culinary purposes to medicinal remedies. Summer savory is a good source of vitamins and minerals and contains compounds that can help boost the immune system.
There are many different ways to use summer savor in the kitchen. It can be used to flavor soups, stews, and sauces. It is also a popular ingredient in stuffing recipes. Summer savory can be used fresh or dried and is also available in powder form. When using summer savory in cooking, it is essential to remember that a little goes a long way.
In addition to its culinary uses, summer savor has some medicinal applications. It has been traditionally used to treat stomach problems such as indigestion, gas, and bloating. Summer savory is also thought to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Conclusion
Summer savory is a unique herb with many culinary applications and health benefits. Its intense flavor makes it suitable for various dishes, from stews to salads. Additionally, the herb is rich in essential nutrients for our bodies to function correctly.
Summer savory can be grown indoors and outdoors; however, certain conditions must be met to ensure its effective growth. With these tips in mind, you can now use this fantastic herb's medicinal properties and flavor profiles!
