La savory, scientifically known as Satureja hortensis (annual savory) or Montana saturation (mountain savory) is an aromatic and medicinal plant of great value in gardening, cooking, and natural medicine. Characterized by its intense aroma and slightly spicy and bitter flavor, savory has been part of Mediterranean culture since ancient times, appreciated both as a culinary condiment and for its richness in active principles beneficial to health.
Botanical characteristics and types of savory
- Family: It belongs to the Lamiaceae, a family of aromatic plants that includes many popular herbs.
- Origin: Its origin is in the eastern Mediterranean basin and the Black Sea coast, although today it is widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region and in many other parts of the world.
- Height and appearance: Depending on the species and growing conditions, savory can reach between 20 y 50 cm tall. Its shape varies from compact to woody, and it has thin, branched stems.
- Sheets: Its leaves, deep or dark green in color, are elongated, smooth and often with small hairs in the case of annual savory. They are the main reservoir of its essential oils.
- Flowers: Small in size (between 0,5 and 1 cm), with a tubular or bell-shaped shape, the flowers can appear in white, pale lilac o pinkish, grouped in terminal clusters. The calyx is usually formed by five sharp teeth.
Growing and care requirements for savory
- Light: Savory prefers full sun and is best placed where it receives direct sunlight, although it can tolerate partial shade in very hot climates. Adequate exposure increases the concentration of essential oils and enhances the plant's aroma and flavor.
- Temperature: It tolerates heat and drought well, but is sensitive to cold, especially frost. Therefore, it is ideal for regions with warm temperate climates.
- Ground: It requires light, well-drained, nutrient-poor soils, preferably stony or sandy. Excessive fertilization can detract from the plant's growth. aromatic intensity.
- Irrigation: It should be watered moderately. It prefers dry soil between waterings and controlled humidity. Excess water can cause problems with decay at the roots. In very dry or hot weather, slightly increase the frequency without flooding.
- Pruning: After flowering, light pruning of the stems encourages denser, more compact growth and promotes branch for the next season. For perennial plants, light pruning is recommended in late winter before budding.
How to sow and multiply savory
Savory can be propagated by seed or by cuttings. For more robust plants, direct sowing in spring is recommended, in loose, sunny soil. The seeds are very small and require light to germinate, so it's best not to cover them with soil, but simply press them down with a board to ensure contact with the substrate.
- Sowing: Perform in rows, leaving a few 30 cm between plants. Germination occurs in about 2-3 weeks.
- Transplant: Once the seedlings have reached a suitable size and several leaves, weed them out and leave only the most vigorous ones.
- Harvest: It is harvested during the flowering period. The tender stems are cut, avoiding the woody ones, and dried in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Once dry, shred the usable parts and store in airtight containers.
Common problems and pests in savory
- Pests: Although hardy and resilient, savory is vulnerable to insects such as beetles and coleopterans during the first months of growth. Once fully grown, it rarely suffers serious attacks.
- Diseases:
- Root rot: Caused by excessive humidity or poorly drained soils.
- Mildew: It appears with high humidity and poor ventilation.
- Rust: Fungal infection favored by humid environments.
- Preventing problems by choosing the right location and controlling irrigation is essential.
Main culinary uses of savory
savory is a classic spice in Mediterranean cuisine, incorporated both fresh and dried. It is highly valued as a condiment to enhance the flavor of meats, legumes, vegetables, soups, stews, and pickles. Thanks to its intense flavor and slightly spicy, it is ideal as a healthy alternative to salt.
- Seasoning: Its leaves are used to season roasted meats, sausages, cheeses, fish, sauces, and marinades. It is one of the ingredients in the famous "herbes de Provence."
- Salads and dressings: Fresh savory adds a delicate and special touch, especially to legume and vegetable salads.
- Mixes: Although it combines well with most herbs, it is not usually mixed with oregano or marjoram as it can mask their flavor.
- Flavored vinegar: Savory vinegar adds a very special aroma and flavor to salads and pickles, especially gherkins and olives.
Medicinal uses and therapeutic properties of savory
Savory stands out for its richness in essential oils such as carvacrol, thymol and limonene, as well as other components such as phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, tannins, iron, magnesium, calcium, ursolic acid, phytosterols and vitamins A, B and C. This composition gives it numerous medicinal properties and applications:
- Digestive and carminative: It aids digestion, stimulates the appetite, and helps combat heartburn, bloating, flatulence, and abdominal bloating. It is useful for those who suffer from digestive discomfort after meals.
- Astringent: Indicated as a natural remedy for mild diarrhea; it is also traditionally used to expel intestinal parasites such as worms and pinworms.
- Balsamic and expectorant properties: It relieves symptoms of colds, flu, bronchitis, laryngitis, and asthma, facilitating recovery and mitigating coughs thanks to its decongestant and expectorant effects.
- Antiseptic and antibacterial: Suitable for internal and external use, it is useful against oral infections, sore throats, dermatitis, eczema, canker sores, and burns.
- Stimulant and aphrodisiac: In traditional medicine, savory has been used as a libido-stimulating herb, recommended for cases of impotence or frigidity. It is used in both infusions and tonic-invigorating baths.
- Tonic and invigorating: It helps to recover energy and vitality, acting on the central nervous system.
- For external use: Its decoctions and compresses are used to treat wounds, insect bites, and skin irritations. Its gargles improve oral health and help with gum inflammation and ulcers.
How to prepare and consume savory
- Medicinal infusions: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried or fresh leaves to a cup of hot water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink after meals to aid digestion, or up to three times a day for respiratory conditions.
- Balsamic infusion: Combine savory with thyme, Scots pine needles, eucalyptus, and anise seeds in equal parts to enhance its effect against flu and bronchitis.
- Aphrodisiac and invigorating infusion: Mix with rosemary, mint and cinnamon for a tonic and stimulating effect.
- Use in baths and compresses: Add savory infusion to bath water or apply in compresses to painful areas, paying special attention to properly diluting the essential oil if applying to the skin.
- Mouthwashes: Savory decoction used as a mouthwash is effective for oral care, inflamed gums and canker sores.
Contraindications and precautions
- Savory essential oil It is not recommended for oral administration in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in young children.
- Like any plant rich in essential oils, use sparingly and always consult a specialist if you have any questions or are undergoing simultaneous medical treatments.
Curiosities, symbolism and ecological value
- Symbolism: Savory is also known as the "love herb" due to its traditional aphrodisiac use and its association with physical vigor and emotional well-being.
- Value in the garden: It's beneficial as a companion plant in the garden, helping repel harmful insects and attract pollinators. Its aroma also helps protect nearby crops.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oil is used to purify environments and as a base for relaxing massages, mixed with other plant oils such as sweet almond or jojoba.
Thanks to its simplicity of cultivation, resistance and versatility, savory is an excellent option for those who want to enrich their orchard or garden with a plant aromatic It combines beauty, utility, and tradition. Having savory at home allows you to enjoy its aroma, therapeutic properties, and culinary versatility year-round, making it an indispensable part of everyday life.
