Summer savory(Satureja hortensis) is an annual herbal plant grown both in plantations and in home gardens and balconies. This herb is primarily known as a kitchen spice, but thehealing properties of savory are also valuedFind out more about the possible usesuses of savory garden , see where it is best to plant it and how cultivate garden savory, as well as when to harvest this herb and how to dry it.
Garden savory - Satureja hortensis
Fig. pixabay.com
Garden savory can be recognized byby a strongly woody stem and short, elongated, pointed leaves. Reaches a height of about 30 cm. It blooms white or light purple in inconspicuous spikes.The flowering date of savoryis from July to August. During this period, bees can often be found on the plant.
Garden savory - healing properties
Garden savory has strong healing properties. The savory herb contains essential oil, the main ingredients of which are: thymol, carvacrol and p-cymol. It also contains significant amounts of tannins, resinous and mucilaginous substances as well as minerals such as: calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and sodium.
Garden savory has an aromatic, pleasant, spicy scent.The he alth benefits of savoryprimarily concern the digestive system. This herb aids digestion and prevents flatulence. It also has a weak diuretic and anthelmintic effect.
Garden savory - cultivation
Growing garden savory is easy , because it does not have special requirements as to soil or position. It grows well in fertile, lighter soils, sufficiently moist and rich in calcium.
Garden savory is best grown in a sunny position . It is propagated in April by sowing seeds directly into the ground in rows every 30 cm. Emergence takes about 3 weeks. During emergence, the plants require constant protection against weeds.
The herbal raw material is savory herbIn full flowering plants, at the turn of July and August, cut the entire herb at a height of about 15 cm above the ground. The harvested herb is dried loose or tied into small bunches in the shade at a temperature not exceeding 35 ° C. After drying, store them in closed jars.
Garden savory - Satureja hortensis
Fig. © Danka, forum.PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Garden savory - application
Savory in garden usefound primarily in the kitchen, and thanks to its healing properties also in natural medicine.
Application of garden savory in the kitchen
"Fresh and driedthe herb of garden savory is used as a spiceIt is valued mainly in Italian, Georgian and Armenian cuisine. It is used both for hot cooked and served cold dishes, for salads, cheeses and eggs. It is a component of herbal pepper and Bulgarian czubrica. "
Garden savory has a spicy flavor , slightly reminiscent of pepper. This makes it perfect for heavy-to-digest dishes, such as beans or peas. It goes well with thyme. It is a valuable spice for meats, especially chicken and veal.
Good to know!
Remember to add savory to cooked dishes about 10 minutes before the end of cooking, because given earlier will make the dish taste bitter.
Fresh savory leavesare used as needed from June, but they are of greatest value during the flowering period, that is from July to August. Then the amount of aromatic compounds contained in the savory herb is the highest.
Savory can be mixed with marjoram, celery leaves, lovage and mugwort flowers. The mixture of plants is powdered and mixed in equal proportions. It is used as a s alt substitute.
The use of garden savory in medicine
You can prepare medicinal extracts and infusions from the garden savory.
Savory herb extractsstimulate the secretion of gastric juice, soothe flatulence and abdominal pain. They are also antibacterial.
Savory infusionsare given for gastric disorders in food poisoning, and also as a sedative in premenstrual tension and menopause.
You can prepare extracts and infusions of garden savory easily All you need is 300g of fresh savory herb or 30g of dried herbs, which you pour over 10 liters of water. If we want to prepare an extract, we soak the herb in water for 12 hours and do not dilute it. On the other hand, do not soak the herb, but boil it for 30 minutes.
The use of garden savory in horticulture
Garden savory is also used in the gardenas a honey plant, attracting beneficial bees. It is also worthplanting savory next to beansto scare aphids away.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
