Savory

Savory adds a piquant flavor to pâtés, soups, meat, fish, peas, potato, and bean dishes.

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Savory’s aroma and flavor bring to mind thyme and mint. Its leaves are small and green.

Varieties

There are two types of savory, called summer and winter savory. Their flavor is somewhat different, with the winter type more strongly aromatic. The summer type is sweeter, milder, and more perishable when fresh. Both have a peppery taste.

Buying and storing tips

Choose fresh savory that has a clean, fresh scent. It can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in a barely damp paper towel inside a sealable plastic bag, for up to five days. Store dried savory in an airtight storage container, in a cool, dark place for no more than six months.

Availability

Dried savory is available year-round in the spice section of most supermarkets. Usually, fresh savory can only be found in specialty produce markets.

Preparation, uses, and tips

Strongly flavored, savory should be used with a light touch. It adds a piquant flavor to many foods including pâtés and soups, as well as meat, fish, peas, potato, and especially to bean dishes. A few chopped fresh leaves are a flavorful addition to salads, but using more than this can be overpowering. Dried or fresh, savory is a common ingredient in the French herb blend, herbes de Provence, an assortment of dried herbs said to reflect those most commonly used in southern France.

Summer savory is the more versatile of the two varieties. It adds just the right note when making a chicken broth, is good with eggs, and adds a lively depth of flavor to bean dishes.

In many dishes, savory can serve as a flavorful substitute for salt.

Nutritional Highlights

Savory, ground, 1 Tbsp (5g)
Calories: 12
Protein: 0.3g
Carbohydrate: 3.0g
Total Fat: 0.26g
Fiber: 2.0g

The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.