All about savory: History, uses, and health benefits
All about savory: History, uses, and health benefits
Overview of savory.
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Transcript
The ancient Romans appreciated the spicy aroma of savory and cultivated it throughout the empire. Its peppery flavor is reminiscent of thyme. In the ninth century, monks brought the versatile herb across the Alps and grew it in their monastery gardens. Today, savory is widespread in Europe, Africa, North America and Asia.
For cooking, both the fresh and dried herb are used. Because it harmonizes so well with beans and other pulses, in some countries it is called the bean herb. A further benefit is that it reduces flatulence. It can also give stews, meat and fish a tangy, peppery note. In fact, during the middle ages savory was often used as an affordable substitute for pepper. Savory should always be cooked with the food, so that it releases all of its acerbic aroma. It should be used economically, as its flavor can quickly become overpowering. One useful technique is to cook individual sprigs with the food and then remove them before serving.
There are two common types, summer and winter savory. The winter variety has a higher thymol content, resulting in a more pronounced flavor. And savory is not only delicious, but also healthy. In addition to essential oils, it contains tannins and vitamin C. By stimulating bile production, it aids digestion and soothes gastric problems.
For a cheerful start to the day, try a cup of savory tea for breakfast. The tannins and bitter compounds are supposed to promote the release of endorphins. Moreover, savory's antiseptic qualities relieve persistent coughs and inflammations of the mouth and throat. Rubbed on the skin, it helps against swelling and insect stings. The ancient Romans even believed that it enhanced virility.
Savory is an annual plant. Anyone planning to grow this versatile spice should plant the seeds in spring. Sown together with beans, it supports their flavor development. Savory needs a lot of sun and should be planted in loose, nutrient-rich soil. It also prospers as a potted plant or in balcony boxes. Savory is in full bloom from July to October. It is best harvested just before or during flowering, as its flavor is strongest then.
Savory combines well with other herbs and can be mixed with parsley, dill, basil and tarragon. It is also an ingredient of the classic French blend herbes de Provence.
For cooking, both the fresh and dried herb are used. Because it harmonizes so well with beans and other pulses, in some countries it is called the bean herb. A further benefit is that it reduces flatulence. It can also give stews, meat and fish a tangy, peppery note. In fact, during the middle ages savory was often used as an affordable substitute for pepper. Savory should always be cooked with the food, so that it releases all of its acerbic aroma. It should be used economically, as its flavor can quickly become overpowering. One useful technique is to cook individual sprigs with the food and then remove them before serving.
There are two common types, summer and winter savory. The winter variety has a higher thymol content, resulting in a more pronounced flavor. And savory is not only delicious, but also healthy. In addition to essential oils, it contains tannins and vitamin C. By stimulating bile production, it aids digestion and soothes gastric problems.
For a cheerful start to the day, try a cup of savory tea for breakfast. The tannins and bitter compounds are supposed to promote the release of endorphins. Moreover, savory's antiseptic qualities relieve persistent coughs and inflammations of the mouth and throat. Rubbed on the skin, it helps against swelling and insect stings. The ancient Romans even believed that it enhanced virility.
Savory is an annual plant. Anyone planning to grow this versatile spice should plant the seeds in spring. Sown together with beans, it supports their flavor development. Savory needs a lot of sun and should be planted in loose, nutrient-rich soil. It also prospers as a potted plant or in balcony boxes. Savory is in full bloom from July to October. It is best harvested just before or during flowering, as its flavor is strongest then.
Savory combines well with other herbs and can be mixed with parsley, dill, basil and tarragon. It is also an ingredient of the classic French blend herbes de Provence.