Sage

"… it quicken the senses and memory …"

John Gerard, The Herball, 1597

Sage is a perennial plant, with several hundred varieties of different heights, strong, aromatic grey-green leaves and square stems. Flowers can be red, blue, purple, pink and combinations of these colours. Found on sunny limestone soils in the Mediterranean. Sage tea has been used for anxiety, a gargle for sore throats and a mouthwash.

Companion Planting:

Plant with rosemary, cabbages and carrots. Also said to repel carrot fly and cabbage butterfly. Retards the growth of cucumbers.

Growing:

Plant seed or cuttings of 12-14cm lengths (6-inch) in well-drained soil. Renew every four years. Loves full sun and may grow in semi-shade.

Harvesting:

Gather sprigs before the plant flowers and hang to dry (covered with paper to protect from the dust).

Culinary Use:

Can be used in stuffing where it breaks down the fats in meat and aids digestion. Goes well in cooked tomato dishes and cream cheese dips. Mixes well with other herbs for herb breads and scones.

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