Savory (Summer & Winter): Peppery Mediterranean Herb with 29 ”g Vitamin K per Teaspoon
Thymeâs zesty cousin lends sharp, clean spice to beans, grilled meats and herb mixes while offering carvacrol antioxidants and traditional digestive relief.
What Is Savory?
Leaves of **_Satureja hortensis_ (summer)** and **_S. montana_ (winter)**âshrubs native to the Mediterranean. Summer savory is tender and bright; winter savory is woodier and spicier.
Nutrition (1 tsp dried â 1 g)
|Calories|Fiber|Protein|Fat|Vit K|Carvacrol|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|3 kcal|0.8 g|0.1 g|0.1 g|29 ”g (24 %)|â 12 mg|
Benefits
- **Carvacrol & rosmarinic acid** have antioxidant & mild antimicrobial activity.
- Traditional carminativeâhelps curb gas in legume dishes.
- Small dash supplies meaningful vitamin K for bone health.
Drawbacks
- Essential oils can irritate if used in excess; keep culinary quantities modest.
- Dried leaves lose aroma after ~6 monthsâgrind fresh when possible.
Flavour & Aroma
**Peppery-thyme with hints of mint and pine**; winter variety is sharper, almost oregano-like.
Culinary Uses & Storage
- Classic in **Herbes de Provence, Balkan bean stews, German sausage**.
- Rub on grilled lamb, mushrooms or squash.
- Infuse vinegar or compound butter.
- Store dried leaves airtight, dark †6 months; fresh sprigs in damp towel, fridge 3â4 days.
- 1. Savory