Savory (herb) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Savory

Winter Savory (Satureja montana)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Subclass:	Asteridae
(unranked):	Euasterids I
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Lamiaceae
Genus:	Satureja Tourn. ex Mill.
Species
About 30, see text

Satureja is a group of plants known as savories. They are part of the Lamiaceae family, which also includes popular herbs like rosemary and thyme. There are about 30 different kinds of savory plants. The two most well-known types grown by people are Summer Savory and Winter Savory. These plants are often used in cooking because of their strong, pleasant smell and taste.

What is Savory?
- Different Types of Savory
- Where Savory Grows
How is Savory Used?
- Savory in Cooking
- Other Uses
Images for kids
See also

What is Savory?

Savory plants are small, aromatic herbs. This means they have a strong, nice smell. They belong to the Lamiaceae family, also called the mint family. Many plants in this family, like mint, basil, and oregano, are used in cooking. Savory plants are native to warm areas, especially around the Mediterranean Sea.

Different Types of Savory

While there are about 30 species of savory, two are most famous:

Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) is an annual. This means it grows for only one season and then dies. It has a delicate, peppery taste. People often use it fresh or dried in their cooking.
Winter Savory (Satureja montana) is a perennial. This means it grows back year after year. It has a stronger, more bitter taste than summer savory. It is often used in dishes that cook for a long time.

Where Savory Grows

Savory plants grow best in sunny places with well-drained soil. They are found naturally in many parts of the world. This includes southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. They are also grown in gardens in many other countries. People grow them for their leaves, which are used as a herb or spice.

How is Savory Used?

Savory has been used for hundreds of years. Ancient Romans used it in their cooking. It was also used as a medicine. Today, its main use is in the kitchen.

Savory in Cooking

Savory is a popular herb for flavoring food. It adds a warm, peppery taste.

It is often used with beans. Some people believe it helps with digestion.
It goes well with meats like chicken, pork, and lamb.
You can also add it to soups, stews, and vegetable dishes.
In some countries, like Bulgaria, savory is a very common spice. It is part of many traditional dishes.

Other Uses

Besides cooking, savory has been used in other ways:

Traditional Medicine: In the past, people used savory for various health reasons. They believed it could help with coughs or sore throats.
Gardening: Savory plants can also be grown as companion plants. This means they are planted near other plants to help them grow better or keep pests away. For example, some gardeners plant savory near beans to protect them.