Sage Herb
Everything You Wanted to Know About the Sage Herb
Pungent and aromatic, the sage herb has been a valued member of the medicinal and culinary world for centuries. There are interesting facts and history about this unassuming herb found in most herb gardens.
Many centuries ago, Romans and Greeks held the sage herb in high regard as a means to preserve meats; a vitally important feature since refrigeration was well in the future. Even today, sage is known to be a digestive aid, and valuable in treating sore throats as well as a delicious addition to the holiday turkey. In addition to the proven qualities of the sage herb, many cultures revered it for other purposes, as well. The Chinese savored the herb in tea. Europeans from the 14th century attributed the sage herb as a protection against witchcraft. Going back in history even further to the 10th century, physicians in Arabia used sage to promote immortality.
Back to modern day, sage remains an extremely popular herb all around the world. Aromatic as well as attractive in the garden, the sage herb takes on a new persona when brought into the kitchen. A fragrant and delicate herb, sage can be used as either fresh leaves or in dried, ground form. Sage is one of the few herbs that increase in strength when used in its powdered state, so sparing use is recommended to balance the correct flavors. In the United States, Thanksgiving Day would not be the same without the pungent smell of the sage herb combining with the delicious aroma of roasting turkey or goose, or the barely detectable taste of sage with bread stuffing.
Here is a tip you won’t want to forget; start adding liberal amounts of sage to your home cooking, as it has long been regarded as a memory booster! In scientifically controlled tests, half of a group of individuals were given essential oils of sage, while the other half was given a placebo. The group of people who took the actual sage were tested within staggered timeframes and found to have significantly improved recent recall.
Adding sprigs of fresh sage to flower arrangements not only adds visual appeal with its soft, grayish green foliage but also brings an aromatic scent to the typical floral bouquets. Dried leaves included with potpourri bowls will fill the air with their tender yet spicy aromas. In the garden, different varieties of sage can bring multiple sensory delights. In fact, over 500 varieties of sage can be found across the world; exemplifying its value and worth.
As in days of old, this herb brings many facets of its personality to modern day uses. The sage herb is a great addition to any herb garden, whether used for medicinal, beauty or culinary purposes.