Savory (Satureja hortensis, Sp. Pl.: 568 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 568 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Satureja

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Europe to SW. Siberia

Description

Savory, scientifically known as Satureja hortensis, is a remarkable annual herb that has been utilized for its culinary and medicinal properties for centuries. Native to South-Eastern Europe extending to South-Western Siberia, Savory has firmly rooted itself in various traditional cuisines and remedies across these regions.

Belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae, Savory shares many of the same aromatic qualities that other plants in this family are known for. The plant typically thrives in sunny environments and well-drained soil, making it a suitable herb for many garden enthusiasts.

Characterized by its slender, upright stems that can grow up to 30 to 40 centimeters in height, Savory’s appearance is complemented by narrow, oblong leaves. The plant also produces small, lilac or white flowers, which bloom in clusters during the summer months. These flowers not only add to the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also attract a variety of pollinators.

In the culinary world, Savory is prized for its peppery flavor, which is somewhat akin to thyme or oregano but with a unique, pungent twist. It is a staple ingredient in seasoning blends, such as Herbes de Provence, and is commonly used to enhance the taste of meats, stews, and legumes. The herb is particularly renowned for its ability to bring out the natural flavors in beans and lentils, making it a preferred choice for many chefs and home cooks alike.

Beyond its culinary uses, Savory also holds a place in traditional medicine. It has been utilized for its purported digestive benefits, as well as its potential to relieve ailments like sore throats and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. The essential oils derived from Savory are known for their antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, adding to the plant’s versatile application.

The historical significance of Savory dates back to its first recorded mention in Carl Linnaeus’s Species Plantarum in 1753, where it was classified and given its current scientific name. The rich history and multitude of uses make Savory a notable plant in both historical and modern contexts.

In summary, Satureja hortensis is much more than just a seasoning; it is a plant steeped in history and utility. From its role in flavoring our foods to its medicinal applications, Savory continues to be a valuable plant that has carved its niche in horticulture, cuisine, and traditional medicine.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig sar
Deu: bohnenkraut, echtes bohnenkraut, kölle, sommer-bohnenkraut
Fra: sarriette annuelle, sarriette commune, sarriette des jardins, savourée, sarriette cultivée
Eng: savory, summer savory, summer thyme
Spa: ajedrea común, saborida
Hun: kerti csombord
Ces: saturejka zahradní, saturejka záhradná
Por: segurelha-de-verão, sergurelha
Swe: sommarkyndel, kyndel
Nld: bonenkruid, echt bonenkruid
En: Savory, Summer savory, Summer thyme
Ar: ندغ بستاني, نذغ, Nadgh, نَذْغ
Hy: Կորթին պարտեզային
Az: Dağınıqçiçək kəkotu
Be: Сатурэя садовая
Bg: Градинска чубрица
Ca: Sajolida de jardí, Sadurija
Zh: 夏香薄荷
Kw: Sawor hav
Hr: Čubar
Cs: Saturejka zahradní, Saturejka záhradná
Da: Almindelig sar
Nl: Bonenkruid, Eenjarig bonenkruid, Peperkruid, Scharekruid, Tuinbonenkruid, Echt bonenkruid, Bonekruid
Eo: Ĝardena satureo
Et: Aed-piparrohi
Fi: Kesäkynteli
Fr: Savourée, Sarriette des jardins, Sarriette annuelle, Sarriette commune, Sarriette cultivée, Poivre d’âne, Sarriette d’été, Herbe de Saint-Julien, Poivrette, Sarriette, Sarriette de montagne*, Sarriette des champs
Gl: Segorella
De: Bohnenkraut, Sommer-Bohnenkraut, Echtes Bohnenkraut, Kölle, Pfefferkraut, Saturei, Winterbergminze
Hu: Borsikafű, Kerti csombord
It: Santoreggia domestica, Santoreggia, Savoreggia
Ko: 여름세이버리
Lt: Daržinis dašis
Mk: Градинарска чубрика
No: Sar
Fa: مرزه
Pl: Cząber ogrodowy
Pt: Sergurelha, Segurelha-de-verão, Segurelha, Segurelha-das-hortas, Segurelha-das-montanhas*
Ro: Cimbru
Ru: Čaber sadovyj, Чабер садовый, Или Чабер душистый
Sr: Чубар
Sk: Saturejka záhradná
Es: Ajedrea común, Saborida, Ajedrea de jardín, Vrtni šetraj, Ajedrea, Ajedrea*, Jedrea*, Sabroso
Sv: Sommarkyndel, Kyndel
Tr: Sater
Uk: Чабер садовий
Uz: Jambil
Wa: Såriete des cortis
Cy: Safri

Synonyms

• Satureja officinarum (Crantz)
• Satureja pachyphylla (K.Koch)
• Satureja brachiata (Stokes)
• Satureja laxiflora subsp. zuvandica ((D.A.Kapan.) D.A.Kapan.)
• Satureja zuvandica (D.A.Kapan.)
• Thymus cunila (E.H.L.Krause)
• Clinopodium pachyphyllum ((K.Koch) Kuntze)
• Clinopodium hortense ((L.) Kuntze)
• Satureja litwinowii (Schmalh. ex Lipsky)
• Satureja hortensis var. distans (K.Koch)
• Satureja altaica (Boriss.)
• Satureja filicaulis (Schott ex Boiss.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Gulf States (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by P G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Gale Jurkiw (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Bogdan Nesic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Douglas Scofield (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2020 by Stanislav Pojar (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 29, 2022 by michele le gloru (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Françoise vabre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Emre Can (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2021 by Gwennola Clement (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Douglas Scofield (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 24, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by STS STAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Carolin Roth (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Mattia Bresolin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2020 by Maxime Thiry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Claudine Pignot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2020 by Danijela Nasevska (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 2, 2021 by Plechackova Martina (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Jan Löser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by mathias schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jun 9, 2020 by CUBILLO Maria C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2022 by shayna d (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926885)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:457680-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Satureja hortensis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]