Sage scores with a colorful array of talents, from the aromatic spice plant to the effective medicinal herb to the enchanting feast for the eyes. The following profile introduces the all-rounder from the herb garden in more detail.
What is sage and where does it come from?
Sage is an evergreen, perennial subshrub from the mint family. It originally comes from the Mediterranean region and impresses with its growth height of 50 to 90 centimeters, pretty labial flowers and aromatic leaves that are used in cooking and medicine.
Characterization and Ecology
Sage has been a faithful companion of people in everyday life since ancient times. Thanks to it, meals are tastier, aches and pains are alleviated and the garden thrives even more magnificently. The following overview reveals the properties on which these advantages are based:
- Plant family of the mint family (Lamiaceae)
- Evergreen, perennial subshrub
- Origin: Mediterranean region, especially Italy and Greece
- Plant genus with 900 species
- Growth height 50 to 90 centimeters
- White, pink, violet or purple flowers from May to August
- Clausen fruits with black seeds in autumn
- Other names: Real sage, noble sage, garden sage, sabi herb
The occurrence now extends to all regions of the world where there is a temperate climate. Species cultivated in Europe have limited winter hardiness. In late autumn, sage draws in the above-ground parts of the plant to overwinter in the ground.
Ingredients and Use
Sage is rich in essential oils that provide both spice and healing properties. If you rub the leaves between your fingers, you will be enveloped in an intense scent. The high ornamental value is based in particular on the silvery, hairy foliage and the pretty labiate flowers, which smell pleasant in summer. Below we give an overview of the wide range of ways to use sage:
- Aromatic seasoning for spicy meat and vegetable dishes
- Central ingredient for soothing throat sweets (€1.00 at Amazon) and healing cough syrup
- Brewed with hot water, an invigorating tea
- Dried a decorative enrichment for arrangements and bouquets
- Cooked into jelly, a refreshing spread
If the surplus harvest cannot be processed immediately, sage leaves are ideal for freezing. This way you don't have to miss out on enjoying herbs during the cold season.
Tips & Tricks
Meadow sage has a particularly clever pollination mechanism. In order for bumblebees to get to the nectar, they have to press down on a small plate inside the flower. This triggers a lever on which the pollen is located. It rushes down like a barrier on the furry pollinator, which takes the valuable cargo with it to the next flower.