Plants
Savory
Satureja · Lamiaceae
Savory is the classic partner of all legumes: its peppery, spicy aroma makes beans, lentils and stews more digestible and rounder in flavour — not for nothing is it also called pepper herb in German. In pot and bed it is remarkably easy-going. We buy our herb pots in sturdy nursery quality via the Veiling Rhein-Maas.
- Light
- Full sun — the sunnier, the spicier.
- Watering
- Moderate — let the soil dry a little, avoid waterlogging.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Satureja
Savory covers two species with different characters: annual summer savory (Satureja hortensis) has softer foliage and a finer aroma, while perennial, woody winter savory (Satureja montana) is hardy, more austere and noticeably hotter. For fine cooking reach for summer savory, for a permanent herb corner for winter savory.
Its reputation as the bean herb is well earned: the essential oils, above all carvacrol, harmonise with legumes and are traditionally considered digestive. A whole sprig is cooked along and removed before serving — finely chopped, dose it sparingly, as the herb is stronger than thyme.
Like most of the mint family, savory wants full sun and rather lean, free-draining soil. It is happy in a balcony box next to thyme, rosemary and oregano; only keep it away from thirsty basil, whose watering rhythm does not match.
The small white to pale lilac lipped flowers appear from July and are an excellent bee plant — especially late-flowering winter savory, which blooms into October when many other forage plants are already over.
Harvest continuously; the herb reaches full flavour just before flowering. Summer savory bundles and dries beautifully while keeping its seasoning power — an honest, uncomplicated pantry herb.
Is Savory toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
Savory is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and children and is an established culinary herb. As with all strong seasoning herbs, very large amounts can upset sensitive stomachs — harmless in everyday handling.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01A fully sunny, warm spot in a pot or bed.
- 02Water moderately — short dry spells are better than wet soil.
- 03Use lean, free-draining soil and feed sparingly.
- 04Cut regularly to keep the plant compact and the supply coming.
- 05Do not cut winter savory back into old wood.
- 06Harvest summer savory before flowering and dry it for the pantry.
Frequently asked
- What is the difference between summer and winter savory?
- Summer savory is annual, soft-leaved and finer in flavour; it is sown fresh each year. Winter savory is a perennial, woody subshrub, hardy and noticeably hotter and more austere. Both season legumes, with summer savory considered the finer kitchen herb.
- Is savory toxic to cats or dogs?
- No, savory is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and people. It is an ordinary kitchen seasoning; only very large ingested amounts could upset the stomach, as with any spicy herb.
- Why is savory cooked along with beans?
- Partly for the peppery, spicy flavour that complements legumes so well. Partly because its essential oils are traditionally considered to aid digestion and reduce bloating. A whole sprig simmers along in the pot and is removed before serving.
- Is savory hardy?
- Winter savory (Satureja montana) yes — as a woody subshrub it survives normal Central European winters in the bed. Summer savory is annual and dies back in autumn; it is sown or planted fresh each year from May.