Most herbs should be harvested before they bloom, after that they often become uninteresting - wrongly so, at least when it comes to savory. Because the flowers are not only edible but very tasty.
When does savory bloom and are the flowers edible?
Savory blooms between June and October, depending on the variety. The annual summer savory blooms from June to September, while the perennial mountain savory blooms later. The flowers are edible and have a slightly peppery taste.
When does savory bloom?
Savory is a mint family. Depending on the variety, it blooms between June and October. The annual summer savory blooms from June to September, slightly earlier than the perennial mountain savory. The flower color of both species varies from white to soft pink to blue-violet, although the individual flowers are quite inconspicuous and small. Its beauty only comes into its own through the multitude of flowers.
Are the flowers edible and how are they used?
There are numerous options for using savory flowers. You can sprinkle the fresh flowers over finished dishes as an edible decoration. The taste is similar to the herb, slightly peppery.
Together with other flowers such as sage, borage or nasturtium, you can quickly make an aromatic flower butter. Salads and other dishes can also be seasoned and refined with savory flowers.
Usage tips for the flowers:
- as decoration
- in salads
- in flower butter
- as a seasoning
Drying the flowers
The savory flowers can not only be used fresh, but also dried. This is a good way to build up a small supply for the winter. To do this, collect the flowers, clean them with a soft brush and place the flowers on a baking tray that you have previously lined with paper.
Now dry the flowers in the slightly opened oven at a maximum of 50 °C. Drying is not easy because the flowers are small and delicate and must not burn. That's why you should check the drying process regularly. After they have cooled, fill the dried flowers into dark screw-top jars. If stored in a cool, dry place they will last for a few months.
Tips & Tricks
You can also add the dried savory flowers to a herbal tea. The tea is good against coughs, but also aids digestion and stimulates the appetite.
