Although the herb savory is little known today, it is one of the earliest herbs recorded and used. Savory is a native plant of southern Europe. Besides using savory in meat stews for flavoring, the Romans considered savory an aphrodisiac. Our ancestors threw savory into the fireplace to disinfect and infuse the room with a pleasant odor.

The herb was also used in medicinal applications - steeped into a tea to cure flatulence, digestive disorders, as an expectorant, cough remedy and to alleviate excess thirst. If you rub savory over a wasp or bee sting it will bring immediate relief. The savory herb plant grows in an annual variety known as "summer savory" and a winter variety known as "winter savory".This herb has a pungent peppery flavor and mixes well in culinary uses with other herbs.Try mixing savory with thyme, oregano or basil...and....enjoy the added dimension of flavor this herb will add to your culinary creations!

Summer Savory (satureja hortensis) is an annual herb plant that will last about a year in warm climates but will freeze and die off if colder climates. Summer savory has a sweeter taste than winter savory and is the better known herb. Summer savory is believed to increase the sex drive, perhaps that is why it is more popular winter savory!

Winter Savory (satureja Montana) is a perennial herb plant that will grow into about a 12-15" bush type of plant with aromatic pinkish lavender flowers. The plant is compact and will make a beautiful border for an herb garden. Savory is also a great companion plant for beans as it will deter beetles. Opposite of summer savory, winter savory is said to decrease the sex drive.

Suggested uses for savory: blend with other herbs to bring a fuller flavor to the serving, mix dried savory with dried bread crumbs to use as a breading for fish or meat, add to baked squash and legume dishes, sprinkle it on scrambled eggs, add to stews and soups. Savory is a common ingredient in salamis, sausages and baked bean recipes. Savory is also a great companion plant for beans as it will deter beetles. If you are not already growing savory in an outdoor herb garden or indoors in pots or a window sill garden - it is time to expand and add this herb!