Why Sage is the Must-Have Herb

Sage is such a luxurious herb. Feeling extra fancy with this big bouquet just cut from the garden. 

Sage. It’s the herb that’s been hanging out in the back of your spice rack, patiently waiting for its moment in the spotlight. Sure, it probably makes a cameo every Thanksgiving, sprinkled on the turkey or stirred into stuffing, but beyond that, sage doesn’t get the love it truly deserves. But here’s the thing—sage is so much more than just a holiday herb. It’s a culinary chameleon, a garden superstar, and, dare I say, the herb you didn’t know you needed.

The Ancient Wisdom of Sage

Let’s start with a little history lesson because sage isn’t just any old herb; it’s been revered for centuries. The ancient Romans and Greeks considered sage to be sacred, using it for everything from warding off evil spirits to improving memory. The Latin name for sage, Salvia, actually means “to heal,” which gives you a pretty good idea of how highly this herb was regarded. Back in the day, people used sage to treat everything from sore throats to snake bites. While I wouldn’t recommend relying solely on sage to cure your next cold, it’s nice to know that this humble herb comes with some serious street cred.

In the Garden

Now, let’s talk about growing sage. If you’ve got a patch of dirt and a bit of sunlight, you’re in business. Sage is a perennial, which means it’ll come back year after year, getting bigger and better each time. And it’s ridiculously easy to grow. It doesn’t need much water, it’s not picky about soil, and it’s pretty resistant to pests. In fact, if you plant sage near other herbs or vegetables, it can actually help repel certain insects. Think of it as the bodyguard of your garden, standing tall and keeping the bad guys at bay.

in the Kitchen

Alright, so you’ve got a sage plant happily thriving in your garden. What next? Time to get cooking! If you’ve only ever used sage in stuffing, you’re in for a treat. This herb has a warm, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with everything from roasted beans to creamy pastas. But let’s not stop there—sage is also amazing in sweet dishes. That’s right, sweet!

Have you ever tried sage-infused honey? It’s a game changer. Simply simmer a handful of fresh sage leaves in honey for a few minutes, then strain them out. Drizzle this fragrant syrup over pancakes, stir it into tea, or just eat it by the spoonful (no judgment here). Or how about sage ice cream? It’s unexpected, slightly savory, and completely delicious.

An Herb with Superpowers

But wait—there’s more! Sage isn’t just for eating; it’s also great for your home. Ever heard of smudging? It’s an ancient practice where dried sage is burned to cleanse a space of negative energy. Even if you’re not into the whole spiritual cleansing thing, burning sage smells amazing and can make your home feel extra cozy.

And if you’re into DIY beauty, sage has some cool tricks up its sleeve. Sage tea makes a fantastic hair rinse, especially if you’re looking to darken those pesky grays naturally. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, mix up a sage and sea salt scrub for a refreshing, exfoliating treat that’ll leave your skin feeling like it just had a spa day.

So there you have it—sage, the underdog of the herb world, ready to make its grand debut in your garden, kitchen, and beyond. Whether you’re roasting a chicken, mixing up cocktails, or just looking to add a bit of greenery to your space, sage is where it’s at. It’s resilient, versatile, and full of surprises, just waiting to be rediscovered.

How to cook creamy cannellini beans with fresh sage and roasted tomatoes.