Sage is an amazing herb! You need this pungent minty and musky herb in your culinary arsenal. Sage is such a powerful plant and has so many great qualities. Did you know that sage actually grows wild on the Canadian prairies? It was used by the first nations for ceremonies, for smudging and as a component in their sweat lodges for purification.
Past Uses of Sage
Sage in latin is salvia which translates as “to be saved or healed”. In the past this herb wasn’t used just for cooking, but was also used medicinally. Medicinal use of sage shows it may be helpful for menopause. The plant contains natural estrogens that can help mimic the body’s lost estrogen. Sage may also be helpful as a non nervous stimulant and may lead to great cognitive function. Sage grows wild on the Canadian prairies and was used by first nations. First nations people would pick sage and tie it into little bundles and dry it. These little bundles would be burned creating smoke to purify someone or clear negative energy. Sage bundles can be purchased on health food stores for use in your home. These sage bundles are usually white sage and is not the species as wild sage or sage used for cooking.
Using Sage
Culinary sage is packed full of aroma and flavour. Sage can be used as a fresh herb or as a dried herb. Fresh sage has a long oval leaf and is velvety to the touch. The leaves are pale grayish-green with small bumps. Culinary sage is known as common sage or salvia officinalis. This herb belongs to the same family as other herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Use the conversion below if you are wondering how to use fresh sage or dried sage.
1 TBSP fresh chopped herbs = 1 tsp dried crumbled herbs = ¼ tsp ground herbs
Sage Recipe Ideas
One of the most popular ways to use sage is in a classic brown butter sauce. In this method butter is heated until the milk solids turn brown and caramelized. Then whole sage leaves and garlic added to the pan and flavours are infused into the sauce. The sauce is then added to pasta or to meat dishes. Sage can also be used to spice up your morning frittata it can be paired with sausage, onion, cheese, and sweet potato. You can also try sage on pizza. Pair it with mushrooms, onions, and sundried tomatoes. Try some of the recipes below to learn how to incorporate more sage into your diet.
Brown Butter Chicken with Sage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntJ3WbBEJeE
Cook A Turkey With Sage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0tTu9kZo8c
Pumpkin Sage Soup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMqVYp2MI_4
Pork Loin Glazed with Sage, Apples, and Pecans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hssjsMGkZSk
