What Can You Cook With Savory?

Embedded within the extensive world of herbs and spices is a beautiful culinary gem known as Savory. This guide is dedicated to enlightening you about the wonders of this herb, exploiting its roots and understanding its benefits.

The Roots of Savory

Za’atar and satureja are alternative names attributed to savory. Savory is credited with two principal variants: summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and winter savory (Satureja montana). The former is an annual herb, while the latter perennial. Classified within the mint family, Savory is indigenous to the Mediterranean region. A testament to its antiquity, even the Romans used savory as a seasoning for their food before the availability of pepper. Detailed information can be found at Britannica.

Culinary Applications of Savory

Its flavor, an aromatic blend of thyme, mint, and marjoram, has rendered savory a revered herb in various cuisines. While the summer variety is popular in French and Romanian dishes, winter savory shows affinity for English and Bulgarian palates.

A popular spice in Canada’s New Brunswick region, savory enjoys traditional usage in turkey stuffing during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Additionally, it’s common in lentil and bean recipes since it’s thought to reduce the flatulence induced by these foods. With its strong, peppery flavor, winter savory is a sought-after condiment for game and fatty meats.

Health Benefits of Savory

Beyond its culinary applications, savory boasts an impressive array of health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidant and anti-fungal properties, offering protection against numerous health afflictions. The herb has been used traditionally in managing menstrual symptoms and gastric concerns as well providing relief from throat and chest congestion.

A recent revelation of Savory’s potential is its ability to aid diabetes management, thanks to the herb’s potential to lower blood sugar levels, as is documented in this PubMed research. The herb’s health benefits suggest why savory has been held in high esteem, both in the culinary and medicinal worlds.

Whether incorporated into your dishes for its distinct flavor or taken advantage of for its health benefits, savory is an intriguing and beneficial addition to your spice cabinet.