Summer Savory

Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) is an annual herb widely appreciated for its pungent, peppery flavor and aroma, often used in Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisines. Known as the “bean herb,” Summer Savory enhances a variety of dishes, particularly beans, stews, and meats, making it a versatile addition to any herb garden.

Key Benefits

• Flavorful Herb: Summer Savory adds a warm, peppery flavor to a variety of savory dishes, including soups, stews, and meats, especially beans.
• Digestive Aid: Traditionally used as a digestive aid, Summer Savory is known to help alleviate bloating and indigestion, particularly after heavy meals.
• Versatile Usage: Both fresh and dried leaves are used in cooking, and the herb also has medicinal properties.
• Easy to Grow: Summer Savory thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.
• Attractive Plant: With its small, dark green leaves and attractive white to pink flowers, Summer Savory can also be a decorative addition to herb gardens.

Variety Features

• Plant Type: Annual herb that grows between 12–18 inches tall.
• Flavor Profile: Summer Savory has a pungent, peppery taste with hints of thyme and mint, often compared to the flavor of marjoram but sharper.
• Uses: Excellent in bean dishes, meat stews, sauces, and herb blends. The leaves can also be used fresh or dried.
• Flowering: Produces small, white to pinkish flowers in the summer, attracting pollinators like bees.
• Hardiness Zone: Grows best in zones 4–9, typically requiring full sun and well-drained soil.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant

• Indoor Growing: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date to give the plants a head start. Transplant them outdoors once the soil has warmed up and the last frost date has passed.
• Outdoor Growing: Plant directly in the garden after the last frost, when the soil temperature reaches around 60°F (15°C).

Soil & Spacing

• Soil Requirements: Summer Savory prefers light, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
• Spacing: Space plants 6–12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and to give the plants enough room to grow.

Germination

• Temperature: Summer Savory seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60°F–70°F (15°C–21°C).
• Germination Time: Seeds generally take 7–14 days to germinate.

Care Instructions

• Watering: Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Over-watering can cause root rot.
• Sunlight: Plant in a location that receives full sun for at least 6 hours a day. Summer Savory thrives in bright, direct sunlight.
• Pruning: Trim the plant regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. Pinch back the tips to promote branching.
• Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Details

• Leaf Harvesting: Harvest the leaves as soon as the plant is well-established and starts producing leaves, typically 60–70 days after planting. Snip off the top leaves, allowing the plant to continue growing.
• Flowering: Harvest leaves before the plant flowers for the most potent flavor. Once the plant flowers, the flavor of the leaves may become milder.
• Dried Leaves: For dried Summer Savory, gather stems with leaves just before flowering and tie them together in small bundles to dry in a cool, dark, and dry location. Once dried, store them in an airtight container.

Culinary Uses

• Beans: Traditionally used to flavor beans, especially in dishes like baked beans, bean soups, and stews.
• Meat Dishes: Adds flavor to meats such as lamb, poultry, and pork, particularly when used in marinades or as part of a seasoning mix.
• Herb Blends: Perfect for seasoning mixes such as herbes de Provence or Mediterranean blends.
• Sauces: Use in sauces, gravies, and salad dressings for a sharp, peppery flavor.
• Fresh or Dried: Both fresh and dried leaves work well, though fresh leaves have a milder flavor.

Conclusion

Summer Savory is a must-have herb for both culinary and medicinal purposes, offering a bold, peppery flavor to a wide range of savory dishes. Easy to grow and versatile in the kitchen, this herb thrives in sunny gardens and adds both flavor and aesthetic appeal. Whether used fresh or dried, Summer Savory enhances your herb collection and provides numerous uses in your cooking.