Summer savory, with its delicate leaves and aromatic flavor, is a delightful herb that adds a savory touch to a variety of dishes. It is a must try in homemade stuffing in place of regular savory to escalate your turkey game! Whether used fresh or dried, summer savory brings a unique blend of peppery and earthy notes that can elevate both sweet and savory recipes. In this guide, we’ll explore the basics of growing, harvesting, and enjoying summer savory to enhance your culinary adventures.
Growing Summer Savory:
Varieties of Summer Savory: There are two main varieties of summer savory: annual summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and perennial winter savory (Satureja montana). Annual summer savory is commonly cultivated for its tender leaves and peppery flavor, while perennial winter savory has a stronger, more pungent taste.
Planting Summer Savory: Summer savory thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it suitable for both garden beds and containers. Start summer savory seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or sow them directly in the garden after the soil has warmed in the spring. Space plants 6-12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
Care and Maintenance: Summer savory is relatively low-maintenance once established. Water plants regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Pinch back the stems periodically to encourage bushier growth and harvest leaves for culinary use.
Harvesting Summer Savory:
Summer Savory Leaves: Harvest summer savory leaves as needed throughout the growing season by snipping them from the tips of the branches with scissors or pruning shears. The leaves are most flavorful when harvested before the plant flowers, so be sure to harvest them frequently to encourage new growth. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure continued vigor.
Using Summer Savory:
Summer Savory in Cooking: Summer savory’s peppery and slightly sweet flavor makes it a versatile herb in a variety of culinary applications. Add fresh summer savory leaves to salads, soups, stews, and sauces for a subtle yet distinctive flavor. Summer savory pairs well with meats, poultry, fish, beans, and vegetables, making it a staple in Mediterranean, European, and North American cuisines.
Summer Savory in Preservation: Preserve the flavor of fresh summer savory by drying it for long-term storage. Hang bundles of summer savory upside down in a well-ventilated area until the leaves are dry and crumbly, then store them in an airtight container for future use. Dried summer savory can be used in the same way as fresh, adding depth and complexity to a variety of dishes.
Conclusion:
Summer savory is a delightful herb that adds a unique flavor and aroma to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re growing it in your garden or using it in your kitchen, summer savory is sure to enhance your culinary creations and delight your taste buds. With proper care and harvesting techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of summer savory throughout the growing season and beyond. So plant some summer savory in your garden, nurture your plants, and savor the delicious flavors of this versatile herb!
Growing Summer Savory:
Varieties of Summer Savory: There are two main varieties of summer savory: annual summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and perennial winter savory (Satureja montana). Annual summer savory is commonly cultivated for its tender leaves and peppery flavor, while perennial winter savory has a stronger, more pungent taste.
Planting Summer Savory: Summer savory thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it suitable for both garden beds and containers. Start summer savory seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or sow them directly in the garden after the soil has warmed in the spring. Space plants 6-12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
Care and Maintenance: Summer savory is relatively low-maintenance once established. Water plants regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Pinch back the stems periodically to encourage bushier growth and harvest leaves for culinary use.
Harvesting Summer Savory:
Summer Savory Leaves: Harvest summer savory leaves as needed throughout the growing season by snipping them from the tips of the branches with scissors or pruning shears. The leaves are most flavorful when harvested before the plant flowers, so be sure to harvest them frequently to encourage new growth. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure continued vigor.
Using Summer Savory:
Summer Savory in Cooking: Summer savory’s peppery and slightly sweet flavor makes it a versatile herb in a variety of culinary applications. Add fresh summer savory leaves to salads, soups, stews, and sauces for a subtle yet distinctive flavor. Summer savory pairs well with meats, poultry, fish, beans, and vegetables, making it a staple in Mediterranean, European, and North American cuisines.
Summer Savory in Preservation: Preserve the flavor of fresh summer savory by drying it for long-term storage. Hang bundles of summer savory upside down in a well-ventilated area until the leaves are dry and crumbly, then store them in an airtight container for future use. Dried summer savory can be used in the same way as fresh, adding depth and complexity to a variety of dishes.
Conclusion:
Summer savory is a delightful herb that adds a unique flavor and aroma to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re growing it in your garden or using it in your kitchen, summer savory is sure to enhance your culinary creations and delight your taste buds. With proper care and harvesting techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of summer savory throughout the growing season and beyond. So plant some summer savory in your garden, nurture your plants, and savor the delicious flavors of this versatile herb!
