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savory
Savory - pronounced
[SAY-vuh-ree] Savory (satureja) is closely related to the
mint family. There are two types of savory, summer and winter. While the
winter version is stronger, both are described as having a flavor that
is a cross between mint and thyme.
Culinary Uses Summer Savory - satureja hortensis, is a small, bushy annual. The
plant is quite woody with branching stems and small leathery leaves. The
leaves have a mildly spicy flavor. Use with meats, fish or with beans.
The leaves are commonly used in dried-herb mixtures for use in
stuffing, pates and other meat dishes.
Winter Savory - satureja montana, forms a clumping plant that is
compact and semi-evergreen. Winter savory has a stronger, less refined
flavor than the summer variety. Use in slow-simmered stews.
History
and Lore
Both savories were enjoyed in Roman cuisine. "The poet, Virgil, 70
-19 BC, celebrated them as being among the most fragrant of plants for
growing near beehives". (Houdret, 2001).
Even Shakespeare wrote of savory. The herb was taken to North
America by early settlers to remind them of their English gardens. Both
savories were enjoyed for both medicinal and culinary purposes.
Buy and
Store Savory is available dried year long. Check your
produce section or farmer's market for fresh savory. Store the
fresh herb in a tightly sealed bag in the vegetable bin of your
refrigerator. Always best to use fresh herbs as quickly as possible.
Medicinal
Uses Savory is considered to
have antiseptic as well as antibacterial properties. It is sometimes
used as a digestive aid.
Note: Savories can stimulate the uterus and should not be used by
pregnant woman in medicinal doses. Always consult with your Dr.
before using medicinal doses of herbs in your diet. This does not
apply to small culinary use.
Substitutes Winter or Summer Savory - You can substitute with
thyme which is stronger. Or, combine thyme with a pinch of sage or mint.
View GourmetSleuth's
Herb and Spice Kit Catalog. Fresh, unusual spices and herbs, packaged in
collectable tins with "embossed" lids. A perfect gift for anyone who loves to
cook.
Grow Your Own Both savories can be grown in full sun placed in soil
with good drainage. Purchase seed or small starts from your local nursery.
Mortar & Pestle
Naked Chef Jamie Oliver's
Favorite Cooking Tool!
Our Thai
Granite (Stone) Mortar and Pestle is dark green and has a 7" bowl and an
8" pestle and holds about 2 cups. (Click on the photo for more information).The perfect tool for grinding mixtures with cilantro as well as other herbs, nuts, and seeds.
Our catalog includes a variety of other style mortars and pestles as
well.
