Beans and savory usually work together because as a spice it enhances the flavor of the vegetable. Botanically, however, the two plants have nothing in common. The varieties of savory most commonly found in kitchens around the world are Garden Savory (Satureja hortensis) and Balkan Savory (Satureja montana).
Fragrance
Savory from the mint family has a strong, spicy and slightly peppery taste. With its flavors reminiscent of thyme and slightly of oregano and mint, savory is one of many possible variations of the French herbal blend “Fines herbes”.
Garden savory and Balkan savory don’t differ much in flavor – the garden savory, however, is a bit finer and grassier, while the tart, sharper flavor is typical of perennial Balkan savory.
Many essential oils, especially thymol and carvacrol, are responsible for the taste of this classic spice. By the way, the more sun the savory gets during growth, the more intense the flavor. The plant is harvested shortly before or during its flowering period.
Uses of savory
Savory is the ideal garnish for fatty foods and hearty dishes. But even in dishes with intense flavour, care must be taken when seasoning: savoury has a strong flavour of its own and too much of it can quickly dominate a dish. The rule of thumb for seasoning savory is: a quarter teaspoon per person should suffice as a supplement.
Whether fresh, dried, grated or ground – savory is prepared without a problem. For hearty stews it is advisable to add fresh or dried sprig at once. However, it must be removed before serving.
If you are unsure of the strength of the seasoning, you can add the savory before the end of the cooking time and then season again. Dried savory is just as aromatic as fresh.
Origin of Savory
While garden savory is native to the eastern Mediterranean, Balkan savory is more characteristic of southern Europe. The Roman legions originally brought savory to Limes and cultivated it there. The plant is growing and becoming native to Central Europe. Today savory is cultivated in Bulgaria, all countries around the Mediterranean, Western Asia and India.
Savory harmonizes very well with basil, cumin, garlic, lavender, bay leaf, marjoram, mint, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, rosemary, star anise and thyme .
