Satureia hortensis

A small herb growing to a height of 6-12 in. It produces small, leafy bushes of small, narrow green leaves with delicate blue and white flowers. Originally from Mediterranean regions, summer savoray grows best in a light, rich soil with plenty of sun. It has an aromatic, spicy flavor and is a good partner for fish, meant and eggs as well as vegetables such as beans and peas.

Uses: It was a popular herb with the ancient Greeks and Romans who used it extensively in sauces for meat and fish and to flavor vinegars. Savory has been used in cooking for thousands of years. In his writings, Virgil noted it as being one of the most fragrant herbs. It is believed that it was widely used to flavor foods before spices were brought from India and the East.

Medicinal: Mainly a culinary herb, summer savory was added to medicines simply for its fragrance and it was also said to be useful in treating colic.

Legends: Winter and summer savory were introduced to America by English colonists.