Spice Nook - Sage

Every cook has their spices within reach. Whether they are stacked in the corner of the kitchen, on a rotating rack, on a shelf over the stove, whatever.. they are there and they are screaming to be used! It's not just a world of Salt & Pepper anymore ladies and gents.

Today, I am going to focus on the least used herb/spice in my kitchen (until recently)... Sage! This overlooked herb has an aromatic scent and a pine like taste that will awaken your taste buds and bring dishes to life by adding great flavour.

The first time I ever cooked with sage was a few years ago when I saw 
Bobby Flay on TV recommending pairing Sage with your Thanksgiving Turkey. Well, almost needless to say, when Thanksgiving rolled around I used Sage infused butter and started slathering it all underneath the skin of the bird. It was so good I started doing it every year. 

That's my sage story. Hopefully you Sage virgins out there will share your stories with me. Keep in mind Sage is usually paired well with poultry, or any type of "fatty" dish. It carries a heavy flavour, so using it in slow roasted meats or stews that sit long on the stove will intensify the flavour. If you're not looking for a heavy sage flavour, add into your meals when half way cooked.
Here's a tip, roll the fresh leaves between your fingers for a minute to release the oils within the leaf before tearing or chopping for your recipe. Another tip, Sage loves to be paired with other herbs like Rosemary and Thyme.

Now here's some info... 
Sage, officially known as, Salvia officinalis, is a perennial, evergreen plant, with woody stems, and green leaves. It is a native to the Mediterranean and has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. 

Yes, you read correctly.. it's from the Salvia plant, and no, eating it will not get you high so don't worry. In fact, Sage has many health benefits and for that reason alone you should consider giving it a try.

Some claimed health benefits are: 

• Treating a sore throat 
• Good for the skin 
• Relives stomach and gastrointestinal pain 
• Lowers blood sugar 
• Offers antioxidants
• Aids against memory loss
• The scent aids in relieving headaches and stress 
• When chewed, fights cavities 

Hopefully an interest in Sage has been sparked within you to either cook with, or burn as incense in your home.... but really, you should cook with it!