summer savoury

[robin]

I've noticed in a couple of American recipies an ingredient caled Summer Savoury. Does anyone know what this is please ? Where can you get it ? Or is it similar to anything else more readily available in the UK.

Thanks

[TJ Buffalo]

Here's a link to a spice page about it
http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/generic_frame.html?Satu_hor.html
There's also a winter savory mentioned, along with herbs that are roughly equivalent. This spice homepage (http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/generic_frame.html?spice_small.html)
is one that I bookmarked a while ago to read into. Enjoy.

[Paul Kribs]

robin

here is a summary of the herb:

Savory Leaf, also known as Bean Herb, Summer Savory, and White Thyme, is native to the Mediterranean region but is now cultivated throughout the world. Savory is a member of the mint family and is renowned as a kitchen herb, tasting similar to Thyme, but much spicier. Savory Leaf is popular in two varieties, Summer Savory (Satureja Hortensis) and Winter Savory (Satureja Montana). Both are used in cooking, but Summer Savory has a much longer tradition of medicinal use. Active compounds of Savory Leaf include volatile oils (carvacrol, p-cymene, alpha-thujene, alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, terpinene, and thymol), and tannic acid. The carvacol and p-cymene content of this herb give it a mild antiseptic effect. The tannin content is responsible for Savory Leaf�s astringent qualities, making it a popular choice in the relief of diarrhea. The herb has also been used as a gargle for sore throat. As a digestive aid, Savory Leaf is used in cases of indigestion and flatulence. It is often added as a spice to dishes containing beans for this reason. The most common medicinal use of Savory Leaf today is in the treatment of gastrointestinal enteritis, the inflammation of the intestinal tract. In some folk cultures, Savory Leaf has been used to increase libido.

The only one I could find for sale in dried herb form was the winter savoury.. it is sold on this site:
http://www.druidskeep.co.uk/

There are plenty of sites selling seeds, and I know you can buy it from garden centres in the warmer months.

Regards, Paul Kribs