Herbs in the Garden
Sage
Salvia officinalis
Family: Labiatae
"How can a man die who has sage in his garden?"
-Arab proverb
age originated in the Mediterranean and is now found in temperate climates across Europe and North America. The Elizabethan herbalist, Gerard, talks of the popularity of sage as a medicinal herb but the plant's therapuetic properties were known long before the sixteenth century. Apart from acting as a general tonic, promoting a long and healthy life, sage is conseidered a remedy for coughs and colds, constipation, liver complaints and rheumatic pains Sage tea is still sometimes served in Greek cafes today and in the Middle Ages the Chinese traded their own tea for the sage tea of Europe. The herb has a pungent, slightly bitter but warm flavor and is generally more valued now for its culinary uses than its healing powers.Sage is a small, greyish - green evergreen shrub which will grow to about 30cm ( 1 ft ) in height. It is an attractive plant, with rough wrinkled leaves and spikes of soft purple flowers in the summer, and it requires little attention. There are many varieties, of which Salvia officinalis - 'true' or 'garden' sage - is the most common, followed by broad - leaved sage.
Cultivation
Sage appreciates a well - drained, chalky soil and plants, particularly when young, are not likely to survive on water - logged clay soil. If that is your problem, lighten it by digging in some peat and adding a top dressing of lime when preparing to plant. The narrow - leaved variety of sage is best grown from seed and the large black seeds should be planted in spring, when the frosts are over, in drills 2 cm ( 3/4 in ) deep. They will be slow to germinate but once the seedlings have reached about 50 cm ( 20 in ) in height they can be transplanted to their permanent flowering position.
Sage can be grown indoors as a pot plant but it is essential to place it in a sunny position or it will become leggy, with a cluster of shrivelled leaves at the tips of the woody stems. A good variety for indoor growing is S. officinalis tricolor, which is a pretty, upright plant with purple stems and oval, varigated leaves that do not tend to lose their color as easily as other varieties do. Use a rich potting mix and a handful of lime chips added for drainage and to balance the alkaline. Water sparingly and do not over - fertilize as this will encourage too - rapid growth. Once the plants are established, cuttings can be taken as for outdoor sage.
Sage should be cut back to prevent it becoming spindly and woody. Wait until the second year when the leaves will be rich in natural oils and cut the leaves in midsummer and again in the early autumn.
Precautions
Do not use any part of a plant for food or cosmetic uses without thoroughly washing it first to remove all soil or contaminents. I personally would not use any plant that was sprayed with pesticides as many skin rashes, irritations or allergies can result, and would highly recommend growing your own herbs without chemical additives; many will thrive on a sunny windowsill if you have no place for an outdoor garden. Alternately, buying your herbs fresh or dried from a reputable source is the safest consideration for you and your family.
Uses
Sage and onion stuffing is a combination known even to the least culinary - minded and this strongly aromatic herb - its scent comes from the essential oil, tannins, contained in the leaves - is a useful flavoring in the kitchen. A popular drink in Holland is made by adding a few leaves of sage to a cup of hot milk, particularly warming and enjoyable on a cold winter's day. Sage is also useful medicinally and cosmetically. A bunch of fresh sage leaves tied together and held under the hot tap when running a bath will wash the healing oils into the water and help give relief to rheumatic sufferers.
SAGE TEA
This is not only a refreshing drink but acts as a general tonic and stimulant to the body, easing liver complaints, constipation, and the pain and stiffness of rheumatism. Pour 600 ml ( 1 pint ) boiling water over 25 g ( 1 oz ) of fresh sage leaves or 15 ml ( 1 tablespoon ) dried and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a little honey if liked.
SAGE ASTRINGENT
Sage acts as a natural astringent and is beneficial to those with oily skins and open or damaged pores.
150 ml (1/4 pint) boiling water
30 ml (2 tbsp) chopped fresh sage
150 ml (1/4 pint) cider vinegar
Pour the boiling water over the sage and allow to stand until cool. Strain and add the vinegar. Keep in a screw - top jar or bottle and apply with cotton wool after first washing the face.
SAGE AND ONION SAUCE
This recipe is a tasty alternative to the more usual sage and onion stuffing and is a particularly good with goose and turkey.
1 large onion, finely choppd
15 ml ( 1tbsp ) fresh sage leaves
60 ml ( 4 tbsp ) water
30 ml ( 2 tbsp ) fresh brown breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper
150 ml ( 1/4 pt ) stock
Put the onion and sage in a saucepan with the water and simmer very gently for 10 minutes. Stir in the breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the stock and simmer for a further 5 minutes until thick. Cool before using.
SPARE RIBS WITH SAGE AND GINGER
( serves 4 )
10 ml ( 2 tsp ) dried sage, crushed
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) ground sage
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) salt
Pepper
900 g ( 2 lb ) pork spare ribs
Mix the sage, ginger, salt and pepper to taste together and rub them on the meat. Roast at 190 C / 375 F on a rack above the roasting pan. Cook without basting.
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