Organic Perennial Savory - Satureja montana

Winter Savory or Mountain Savory (Satujera montana) is an herbaceous perennial, used as a condiment, aromatic and medicinal plant, reaching a height of 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in). This herb is cultivated for its tender green leaves with a pungent and peppery flavour that adds aroma to stuffings, game, stews, salads and vegetables. It is milder than Summer Savory. It can also be used for infusions. Sow from April to May for a harvest from June to October the following year.

Naturally growing in scrubland, fallow fields and sunny slopes, Savory is a typical aromatic plant of Mediterranean cuisine. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and produces pretty blueish-white edible flowers from July to September. It is quite hardy, at least down to -15°C (5°F). Mountain Savory forms a beautiful cushion of small shiny green leaves that release a strong scent similar to Thyme when crushed.

In cooking, this spicy and slightly bitter herb is used as a condiment to give a Mediterranean flavour to many dishes. Consumed as an infusion, it aids digestion and relieves bloating. Its leaves can also be used fresh in poultices to soothe skin irritations such as insect bites. It is an undemanding plant that grows in the sun and in dry and well-drained soil. At the end of winter, prune it into a compact shape with shears to maintain its compact habit.

Harvest: the leaves are harvested from June to October by simply cutting the branches. It is preferable to do this before flowering to preserve its full aroma.

Storage: Savory keeps very well once dried.

Gardener's tip: in the garden, don't hesitate to mix things up by planting some aromatic plants like Savory in the middle of your perennial borders or even in sunny rockeries. It looks very pretty and the sometimes strong scent of aromatic plants often has the ability to repel insects that may attack more delicate plants such as certain roses.

Organic or "AB" seeds come from plants grown in organic agriculture (without the use of pesticides). They undergo no treatment after harvest. These seeds are suitable for organic market gardening.