Description
Savory is a highly aromatic, hardy annual
or perennial herb. Two important species of
the genus are Satureja hortensis (summer savory)
and Satureja montana (winter savory), the
former is aromatic annual grown as a garden
herb, while the latter constitutes savory
of commerce. Savory is an erect pubescent
annual herb, 5-35 cm in height with pinkish
branches. Leaves are oblong, linear with deep-pitted
glands on both sides. Flowers are in small
auxiliary cymes. The dried leaves are of brown
green colour, up to 10mm length with strong
warm odour and with sharp camphoraceous taste.
Origin and Distribution
The crop is indigenous
to Southern Europe and Mediterranean area.
It is distributed in the warmer regions of
both the hemispheres. It grows in Southern
France, Germany, Spain, England, Canada and
USA. In India, it is found in Kashmir.
Savory grows in light soil and on rocky
hillsides. The species are cold sensitive.
Temperate climate and full sun are preferred
Uses
Savory is used
in flavouring soups and sauces, egg, salad
dishes, canned meat and poultry dressings.
An infusion of leaves treats gastric upsets,
indigestion and loss of appetite. Savory
has aromatic and carminative properties.
