Winter and Summer Savory

Description
Summer savory is a tender annual that grows up to 18 inches tall. It has small bronze-green leaves and very small white or lavender flowers. The leaves are pungent and spicy.

Culture
Summer savory grows best in a well-worked loamy soil. Seed can be planted in the garden in spring.

Harvesting
Cut leafy tops when the plants are in bud. Hang in an airy, shaded place until crisp and dry.

Use
Summer savory is popular as a condiment with meats and vegetables and is generally considered sweeter than winter savory.

Savory (Winter) (Satureja montana)

Description
Winter savory has dark green, shiny, pointed leaves much stiffer in texture than summer savory. It is a woody perennial plant growing to 2 feet in height with small white or lavender flowers.

Culture
Winter savory does best in a light, sandy soil. Keep dead wood trimmed out. Propagate by cuttings or raise from seed.

Harvesting
Pick young shoots and leaves at any time. The leaves are almost evergreen but not as pungent in winter. It is best dried for winter use.

Use
Winter savory is a condiment often used as a flavoring in liqueurs. Its taste is not as sweet as summer savory.

"Adapted from publication NE-208, produced by the Cooperative Extension Services of the Northeast States."