What is savory? All about this herb

Write: Tomás Franco. Author of Manual for Spices

This is one Aromatic herb of the family "Lamiaceae " with a peculiar aroma that recalls a mixture of thyme and mint, with a strong flavor and a spicy point, similar to oregano and pepper. If you still don't know what is savory, then we will tell you much more about it. In addition, we propose an interesting recipe for you to use, although its culinary uses are much broader. Finally, discover the healthy properties that this plant has. Pay attention!

The leaves and flowering tops of the "Satureja hortensis L. " they are the most used for culinary uses. They are also known as garden savory, while the mountain one corresponds to "Satureja montana l.”. The former is a cultivated species that has a milder and finer taste than the latter from the mountainous area. But in these two it does not end everything, because there are still more varieties. So, these three varieties so you know what is savory are typical of .

• Fine savory " obavata”, Grows in Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia, being used mainly for the seasoning of olives.
• White savory " fruity”, Grows in Aragon, Catalonia and Valencia, is distinguished by having the stems covered with a white fluff and an intense smell of menthol.

These aromatic herbs grow preferably in dry and sunny places of the temperate and warm zones of the South of Europe, mainly in regions Mediterranean. The garden savory is cultivated in many parts of the continent, while the mountain savory grows wild, forming thickets in the higher areas. In Spain the mountain savory is distributed along the Mediterranean coast.

Nutritional composition

What is savory also in the kitchen

En bean or broad bean stews of all kinds, highlighting their flavor, especially in preserved or frozen products, the savory She is very attractive. Contains a volatile oil which facilitates digestion, so it is recommended in difficult to digest stews (dishes rich in starch, cucumber salads, pork and lamb). Also in poultry dishes, soups, eggs, cheeses, salads, fillings, sausages and boiled vegetables. It is a very appreciated ingredient in aromatic mixtures, to make savory vinegar and seasoning olives.

Its aroma is not altered by cooking, but due to its strong smell and flavor it can hide that of other Herbs aromatic, so it is recommended to use it with discretion. It goes well with parsley, onions, bay leaf, celery, garlic, rosemary and thyme. But it doesn't go well with oregano or marjoram. Because of its peppery flavor, it is very useful in diets without salt.

Pea cream with savory

Ingredients:

• A finely carved onion
• A minced garlic clove
• A chopped carrot
• 750 grams of shelled peas
• 1 tablespoon of savory
• shawl
• water

Preparation:

• Brown the onion until it turns transparent.
• Add the minced garlic, the chopped carrot and the shelled peas.
• Saute everything together.
• Add the savory, salt and water until a more or less thick cream is obtained.
• Keep over moderate heat for half an hour.
• Go through the mill.
• Rectify with salt and water if necessary.

Savory and Health

The savory infusions are especially recommended for facilitate digestion and help in the elimination of gases, mainly due to the effect of the components of its essence. Also due to the presence of antiseptic phenolic acids. Something that, together with the tannins present, make it a good anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrhea.

This drink is prepared by pouring half a teaspoon of chopped leaves in a cup of boiling water. It should be taken after the main meals. It is advisable to start treatment with low doses to increase little by little, since large amounts can cause rashes.

The infusion is also a good oral disinfectant when used for gargling, with good results also for sore throats. The fresh crushed savory leaves can be applied to the wasp and bee stings, to relieve pain and decrease swelling.

Therefore, you already see all the utilities and benefits what does it give you not only knowing what is savory but use it in your daily life.