Plant ID card |
|
|---|---|
Botanical name |
Satureja hortensis or Satureja montana. |
Common name |
Garden savory or mountain savory. |
Family |
Lamiaceae, Labiaceae or Labiaceae. |
Origin |
Mediterranean regions. |
Dimensions |
20 to 40 cm in height. |
Foliage |
Small narrow leaves, shiny green for perennials, light green for annuals, persistent and fragrant. |
Bloom |
Pink and white flowers. From June to October depending on the species. |
Exposure |
Sunny. |
Ground |
Light, well drained and rather calcareous. |
Rusticity |
Up to -20°C. |
Affectionately nicknamed “donkey pepper”, this aromatic herb has marked culinary history, particularly for its ability to enhance the flavors of dishes, a talent which took on capital importance during the Second World War.
Explore how
to grow savory
, this fascinating plant, and enjoy its uniqueness in your kitchen.
The different species of savory
There are mainly two types of savory:
Garden savory
(
Satureja hortensis
): annual, is characterized by soft green leaves and rapid growth, ideal for small spaces and pots.
Its fresh and slightly spicy taste is perfect for light dishes;
Mountain savory
(
Satureja montana
): perennial in nature, it is a sub-shrub with darker and smaller leaves, better resistant to difficult conditions.
Its strong, peppery aroma enriches simmered dishes and grilled meats.
Also read: The top 20 aromatic herbs to grow at home
What is the difference between thyme and savory?
Often confused, thyme and savory are actually two herbs with distinct characteristics.
Visually, thyme is distinguished by its small green-gray leaves and woody stems, while savory has a bushier habit with finer leaves and a less bushy appearance.
Cultivation-wise, thyme is resilient, preferring dry soils and sunny exposures, and even adapts to arid terrain.
Savory, also loving the sun, requires richer soil and regular irrigation.
In cooking, these herbs offer distinct flavors: thyme, with its stronger, slightly lemony taste, is perfect for simmered dishes and grilled meats.
But also, in syrup against winter ailments.
While savory, sweeter and peppery, excels in seasoning vegetables and white meats.
Where to plant savory?
Like thyme, savory hates stagnant humidity at its feet.
In winter, more than the cold, excess water can cause the death of the plant by root asphyxiation.
Improve the soil if necessary:
this aromatic plant therefore prefers well-drained soil.
Too compact or clayey soil retains water.
If necessary, improve the quality of your soil by incorporating compost or sand to improve drainage;
Exposure:
savory thrives in full sun.
A sunny location is ideal for encouraging abundant flowering and optimal aroma development.
Savory, thanks to its simple maintenance, is perfectly suited to beginner gardeners.
Copyright (c) 2017 EQRoy/Shutterstock.
No use without permission.
How to easily maintain savory?
Savory, thanks to its simple maintenance, is perfectly suited to beginner gardeners.
Follow these practical tips to ensure healthy, thriving growth of this aromatic plant:
Watering:
savory requires moderate watering.
It is important to keep the soil slightly moist, but not overwatering, particularly in winter, to prevent root rot.
During periods of drought, more frequent watering may be necessary, especially for young plants establishing their root systems;
Pruning:
Regular pruning is recommended to encourage bushy growth.
Cut the ends of the stems to encourage branching of the plant.
This also helps keep the plant compact and prevents it from becoming too leggy and untidy;
Winter protection:
For perennial varieties like mountain savory, winter protection may be necessary in areas where temperatures drop very low.
Natural mulch around the base of the plant helps protect its roots from frost.
When and how to sow or plant savory?
To successfully grow savory, it is essential to follow a few simple steps, adapted to the chosen propagation method.
Sowing:
the ideal time to sow savory is
spring
, generally around the end of April, when the risk of frost has passed and the soil begins to warm up.
Prepare light, well-drained soil in a sunny location.
Sow the seeds on the surface and cover them with a thin layer of potting soil, then water gently.
Seeds usually germinate in six to eight days;
Transplant:
Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
Once the plants have a few leaves, transplant them to their final location, spacing them sufficiently apart;
Propagation by cuttings:
this method can be done at the end of spring or at the beginning of summer.
Use semi-herbaceous cuttings, cut stems 10 to 15 cm long, remove the lower leaves and plant them in a mixture of potting soil and sand.
Place the cuttings in a bright location, out of direct sunlight, and keep the substrate moist until the cuttings take root, which may take a few weeks;
Propagation by division:
ideal in early spring for perennial plants such as mountain savory.
Divide the clumps into sections, making sure each part has a portion of the root system.
Plant each division in well-prepared soil, ensuring good spacing.
Also read: Rosmarinus officinalis: the sweet scent of scrubland in your garden and your kitchen!
What does savory taste like and how to use it in cooking?
Savory stands out in cooking for its unique,
peppery and slightly spicy
taste , which makes it ideal for enhancing a variety of dishes.
Unlike thyme, whose taste profile is sweeter and subtle, with earthy and slightly minty notes, savory offers a more pronounced and spicy flavor.
This particularity makes it perfect to accompany robust dishes such as meats, stews and vegetables, where it provides a remarkable depth of taste.
It also pairs wonderfully with beans and tomato dishes, adding
a distinct and flavorful aromatic touch.
In cooking, the choice between savory and thyme can subtly transform the flavor profile of a dish, giving chefs the opportunity to experiment and personalize their culinary creations.
Savory stands out in cooking for its unique, peppery and slightly spicy taste.
Copyright (c) 2019 Madeleine Steinbach/Shutterstock.
No use without permission.
The benefits of dried savory
Dried savory transcends its role in cooking to become an ally of choice for health.
Its antiseptic and digestive properties make it an effective natural remedy, particularly useful for
improving digestion.
Often consumed as an infusion, it also helps relieve digestive disorders and respiratory infections.
Beyond that, savory is appreciated for its aphrodisiac qualities, adding a stimulating dimension to its traditional use.
It has also been studied for its benefits on blood pressure, thanks to its ability to
relax blood vessels.
These multiple virtues make dried savory a versatile ingredient, beneficial both in cooking and for its various effects on health.