Introduction to Savory
When you hear the word savory, what comes to mind? Maybe your favorite herb or spices used in your favorite dish?
But did you know that savory is also a plant that has a long and diverse history of use? In this article, we will explore the history, types, planting, caring, harvesting, and culinary uses of savory.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, you will find useful information that will help you add this versatile plant to your home.
History and Traditional Uses
Savory (Satureja) is a genus of herbs and shrubs that belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and south-west Asia, savory has been cultivated and used as a culinary and medicinal herb for centuries.
The Romans used it as a substitute for salt, which was expensive and scarce at the time, and also believed it had aphrodisiac properties, which earned it the name Herb of Love. In the Middle Ages, savory was used as a digestive aid and was believed to ward off evil spirits.
In some cultures, savory was used as a tea to treat sore throats and respiratory ailments.
Recent Resurgence and Culinary Uses
In recent years, savory has experienced a resurgence in popularity due to its use in meat rubs, bean dishes, and Herbes de Provence. The strong, peppery flavor of savory makes it a favorite ingredient in many marinades and rubs for meat and barbecue.
It is an essential ingredient in Herbes de Provence, which is a blend of dried herbs that typically includes savory, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and marjoram. These herbs are used to add depth and flavor to soups, stews, and roasted meats and veggies.
Quick Care Guide
Overview of Savory
Savory is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. There are two main types of savory: winter savory (Satureja montana) and summer savory (Satureja hortensis).
Winter savory is a perennial plant that grows in a low, spreading form and has a more intense flavor than summer savory. Summer savory is an annual plant that grows up to two feet tall and has a milder flavor than winter savory.
Planting Savory
Savory seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly sown in the garden after the last frost. For indoor starts, sow the seeds in a seed-starting mix at a depth of inch and water regularly.
When the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, transplant them into individual pots. For direct sowing, sow the seeds in rows or scattered in your garden at a depth of inch.
Cover the seeds with soil and water well, keeping the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Savory prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and should be planted in an area with full sun exposure.
Caring for Savory Plants
Savory requires minimal care once established. It prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate drought but will produce more tender leaves if watered regularly.
You should avoid overhead watering which can cause powdery mildew. Prune summer savory throughout the growing season to encourage bushy growth, but don’t prune winter savory until the spring.
You can also propagate savory through stem cuttings and division. Propagation through stem cuttings involves taking 4- to 6-inch cuttings of new growth in the summer and putting them in moist soil in a shaded area.
Propagation by division involves digging up an established plant in the spring, dividing the roots, and planting it in a new location.
Harvesting and Storing Savory
Savory can be harvested once the plant reaches a height of 6-8 inches by snipping off the top leaves and stem. You can harvest it regularly throughout the growing season, ensuring that you leave some leaves on the plant so it can continue to grow.
You can use fresh leaves immediately or dry them for later use. To dry savory, remove the leaves from the stem and lay them out in a single layer in a dry, well-ventilated area.
When the leaves are dry and crumbly to the touch, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Conclusion
Savory is an herb that has been used for centuries and can add a unique and delicious flavor to your recipes. Whether you are looking to add it to your garden or use it in your cooking, following the care guide outlined above will help you grow healthy plants and enjoy the many benefits of this herb.
Whether used fresh or dried, savory enhances the flavor of many dishes, giving them a rich and bold flavor. So why not add savory to your culinary repertoire today?
Planting Savory
Savory is a versatile herb that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Fresh savory leaves have a strong and peppery flavor that enhances the taste of many dishes.
However, growing savory requires some attention to detail, and following some tips can make the process easier.
Starting Savory from Seed
One of the best ways to grow savory is to start it from seed. It is essential to keep in mind that savory needs to be grown in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Starting savory indoors about 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost date and transplanting it after the frost has passed is recommended. You can start seeds indoors by placing them in seed-starting mix, sowing them inch deep, and pressing them gently.
Water the seeds regularly to keep the growing medium moist but not overly soggy. Once the seedlings have grown two to three true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
When planting directly outdoors, it is important to wait until after the last frost, as the seeds germinate in warm soil with consistent temperatures. Sowing can be done in rows or scattered in planting spots in the garden, with germination occurring in 10 to 14 days.
Growing Savory in Containers
Savory can be grown indoors if you have access to a conservatory, greenhouse, or other well-lit areas. Due to its love for sunlight, a south-facing window that gets at least six hours of sunlight is necessary.
However, be sure to avoid overwatering the soil as the roots can rot in excessively damp soil. Furthermore, pots need to be large enough to allow for proper root development and growth.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Savory
Savory loves warm weather and requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and flavor. Savory prefers temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it is essential to note that this herb is frost-tender, and late frosts can severely damage plants- so planting after the last frost date is ideal. The plant grows well in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Savory is drought-tolerant, which means it does not require abundant watering, making it a perfect choice for regions with low rainfall.
However, careful watering is required while it is getting established to promote root development.
Caring for Savory Plants
Once established, the savory plant requires minimal care. Pruning and harvesting regularly will keep it looking tidy and produce bushy foliage.
Water the plant generously after letting the topsoil dry out, but avoid overwatering, as savory prefers well-drained soil. Savory is relatively easy to manage but requires maintenance to ensure an optimal harvest.
Here are some tips to help you care for your savory plant properly:
Sun and Temperature Requirements
Savory thrives in full sun with six or more hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant prefers temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and is less tolerant of lower temperatures.
It is frost-tender and should be protected from cold weather to the best possible degree.
Water and Humidity Needs
Savory is a very drought-tolerant plant that prefers well-drained soil. Overwatering may lead to root rot and damage the entire plant.
Therefore, the plants will likely die or show signs of stress if they receive too much water. Savory requires a consistent level of humidity to grow well and must be watered regularly but carefully.
Soil Requirements
Savory requires well-drained, fertile soil to grow optimally. Avoid soils that are heavy or that do not drain well, as it could lead to issues with moisture, root rot, or plant diseases.
The ideal soil type for planting savory is well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Fertilizing Tips
Savory does not require a lot of fertilizers, as too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow too vigorously and reduce the quality of the plants flavor. If desired, include a balanced liquid fertilizer yearly to boost the plant’s growth or plants with poor growth outcomes, though using a layer of compost once or twice a year may be enough.
Pruning Guidance
As harvesting the similar foliage regularly produces bushier and tidier plants, try to harvest the top leaves of your plants in moderation, as well. Sweeping cut will cause legginess, where the plant becomes thin and bottom-heavy.
Leggy plants usually break under the stress of winter and become weak. To maintain healthy, beautiful plants, consistently prune the plants straight down and preserve most of the foliage on individual branches.
Propagation Techniques
You can propagate savory plants by several means, including seed sowing, softwood cuttings, or semi-ripe cuttings. Sow seeds in regularly-watered, fertile soil during the summer or winter season.
Cuttings should have young and hardy leaves, and ensure that the cuttings are watered consistently. Softwood cuttings often take about 10 to 14 days to root in humid environments, while semi-ripe cuttings usually take longer and should be placed in nutrient-rich soil.
Final Thoughts
Savory is a versatile herb that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It is a hardy plant that requires minimal care and produces flavorful, aromatic foliage.
Savory is easy to grow and makes an excellent addition to any garden or container, providing a good crop of herb useful for flavoring many dishes, as well as teas. Follow the tips outlined in this article to maintain a healthy and flourishing savory plant.
Harvesting and Storing Savory
Growing savory plants is a rewarding experience. But the real payoff comes in harvest times.
Savory is a fast-growing plant that yields a large crop of aromatic and flavorful leaves that are used in seasoning a variety of dishes, especially stews and soups. To harvest savory, keep in mind the following tips:
Harvesting Tips
The best time to harvest savory leaves is in the morning after the dew has dried and the oils have fully developed, which usually occurs after the plant has grown to a height of 6-8 inches. This timing promotes more robust and more flavorful leaves when the plants and leaves are at their peak.
Additionally, pruning the plants regularly helps to control their shape, promotes healthy growth, and prevents the dying down of the stems. When pruning, be careful to preserve some of the leaves so that the plant can produce more.
Storing Fresh and Dried Savory
Fresh savory leaves can be stored in a fridge for up to a week if kept in an airtight container or a plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. Drying savory is another option to preserve the plant’s flavor for long-term storage, and it is one of the recommended ways to store savory.
To dry the herb, tie the stems and hang upside down in a well-ventilated area away from exposure to direct sunlight or use a dehydrator machine to dry the leaves. After drying completely, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container away from heat and moisture.
Troubleshooting
While savory is a hardy plant with minimal care requirements, some problems can crop up during the growth of this herb. Being able to identify them and remedying them at an early stage can keep your plants healthy and productive.
Common Growing Problems
One common growing problem is fungal root rot, a disease that is caused by overwatering, restricting the drainage, or an influx of heavy rainwater. Signs of this issue might be yellowing and wilting of leaves, or leaves dropping off without reason.
You can help prevent fungal rot by avoiding overwatering and waterlogging the plants. Another common issue is a slow decline in plant health, where the plant grows slowly and does not produce leaves as branches.
This condition can arise as a result of closely spaced planting, insufficient soil drainage, or insufficient nutrients. Regular pruning, balanced watering, and nutrient-rich soil remedy this situation.
Pests and Diseases
Savory plants are also vulnerable to pests and diseases like aphids and spider mites. The first warning sign that your plant is infested with these pests is a small yellow or brown patch on the leaves.
You can use natural solutions to eradicate these pests, such as spraying the plants with neem oil, natural pesticide, or a soap solution.
In conclusion, while growing savory is a low-maintenance activity, proper care and attention to detail are necessary to achieve the best results.
Harvesting savory correctly and storing it well preserves the plant’s flavor and aroma for a long time. Identifying and correcting growing problems promptly ensures that we protect our plants from pests and diseases.
With these tips, you can enjoy your savory garden experience and add a taste of your savory herbs in your cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Savory
Savory is a versatile herb that can add a unique flavor and aroma to a variety of dishes. It has a rich history of use that dates back to the Roman era, and over time, it has been used in a variety of culinary and medicinal applications.
As a result, there are many frequently asked questions about the use and care of savory herbs. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions:
Culinary Uses of Summer and Winter Savory
What can I use summer savory for? Summer savory has a milder flavor than winter savory and is commonly used in salads, pasta dishes, grilled meats, casseroles, stews, and beans.
The flavor of summer savory complements lighter dishes and is frequently used as a substitute for salt in recipes. Its delicate flavor and scent evoke lemon and pepper.
Summer savory in cooking is typically added in the last few minutes of cooking to avoid losing its flavor and aroma. What can I use winter savory for?
Winter savory has a more intense and spicy flavor than summer savory and is commonly used in meat and poultry rubs, bean dishes, and herbes de Provence. Its flavor tends to enhance the bold flavors of the ingredients it accompanies rather than competing with them.
Winter savory is an excellent herb to add depth to roasted vegetables and is the perfect herb for aromatic and hearty dishes, especially during the colder months.
Use of Summer Savory Flowers
Can I use summer savory flowers in my cooking? Summer savory flowers tend to be highly decorative and may be used with foods to add color to your plate.
However, they are also edible and can be used in cooking. Savory flowers have a delicate flavor that complements the herb’s taste, making them perfect for adding a savory touch to salads or other dishes, where they can cake or garnish.
How can I use winter savory in my food? Winter savory has a strong flavor and goes well with meat, poultry, and fish dishes.
Its a great addition to marinades and barbeque rubs, and it can also be used to season roasted vegetables. Winter savory has a robust flavor and can stand up to even the richest and most flavorful dishes.
When cooking with winter savory, it is best to