Savory

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.