Sage scores with a colorful array of talents from the aromatic spice plant to the effective medicinal herb to the enchanting feast for the eyes. The following profile presents the all-rounder from the herb garden in more detail.
Characterization and Ecology
Since ancient times, sage has been a faithful companion of people through everyday life. Thanks to it, food is tastier, aches and pains are relieved and the garden thrives even more magnificently. The following overview reveals the properties on which these advantages are based:
- Plant family of mints (Lamiaceae)
- Evergreen, perennial subshrub
- Origin: Mediterranean region, especially Italy and Greece
- Plant genus with 900 species
- Growth height 50 to 90 centimeters
- White, pink, violet or purple flowers from May to August
- Klaus fruits with black seeds in autumn
- Other names: real sage, noble sage, garden sage, sabic herb
The occurrence extends today over all regions of the earth where a temperate climate prevails. Species cultivated in Europe are conditionally hardy. In late autumn, sage feeds on the above-ground parts of the plant to overwinter in the ground.
ingredients and use
Sage is rich in essential oils that provide both flavor and healing power. If you rub the leaves between your fingers, you will be enveloped by an intense fragrance. The high ornamental value is based in particular on the silvery hairy foliage and the pretty lipped flowers, which smell pleasant in summer. In the following we give an overview of the wide range of possible uses of sage:
- Aromatic seasoning for spicy meat and vegetable dishes
- Central ingredient for soothing throat drops and healing cough syrup
- An invigorating tea brewed with hot water
- Dried a decorative enrichment for arrangements and bouquets
- A refreshing spread cooked into jelly
If the surplus harvest cannot be processed immediately, sage leaves are ideal for freezing. In this way, you don't have to do without enjoying herbs during the cold season.
tips and tricks
Meadow sage has a particularly clever pollination mechanism. In order for bumblebees to get to the nectar, they have to press down on a small plate inside the flower. This triggers a lever on which the pollen is located. Like a barrier, it swoops down on the furry pollinator, which takes the valuable cargo with it to the next blossom.
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