Sage – Everything You Need to Know | BDK Restaurant’s Guide to Fresh Produce
Sage is not just a herb; it’s a fragrant delight that adds an earthy aroma to your dishes. As a proud member of the mint family, sage shares its heritage with rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil. It is a staple in European cuisines, particularly around the Mediterranean and in the United Kingdom. Not to mention, it shines in North American recipes, stealing the show during the holiday season.
Sage’s robust flavor profile makes it a perfect companion for bold ingredients. Whether it’s complementing fatty meats or enhancing creamy cheeses, sage knows how to create harmony in your dishes. Sausage meat often owes its delightful taste to sage, and it’s a go-to ingredient for flavoring the stuffing of roast duck and goose, pairing effortlessly with rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and onion. Mind you, a little sage goes a long way, so be cautious not to overpower your culinary creations.
Originating in the Mediterranean regions, sage boasts a history that spans thousands of years. Besides its culinary uses, sage has served as a medicinal herb for centuries. The ancient Romans valued sage for its digestive properties, while the French enjoyed it in the form of tea. Its popularity even reached Chinese traders, who were willing to exchange a pound of sage for several times the amount of their own tea.
Let’s delve into sage’s nutritional value. A mere teaspoon (0.7g) of sage contains a meager 2.2 calories. Although small in size, it packs a punch with 0.1g of protein, 0.4g of carbohydrates, and 0.1g of fat. Don’t overlook the 0.1mg of sodium either. Sage is also a source of vitamin K, providing 10% of the recommended daily intake. Additionally, it offers essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, calcium, iron, manganese, and magnesium.
Curious about growing your own sage? If you decide to start from seeds, be prepared to wait around two years for your sage plant to reach maturity. Plant the seeds indoors 1 to 2 months before the last frost date, as sage has specific preferences when it comes to soil and environmental conditions. While sage doesn’t require frequent watering, it does crave ample sunlight. Whether you choose to grow sage indoors or outdoors, it’s a plant that requires nurturing.
When is sage in season? Luckily, fresh sage is readily available all year round at most reputable grocery stores. You can find organic varieties without any difficulty. Alternatively, you can opt for pre-packaged dried and rubbed sage located in the spice aisle.
What should you look for when buying sage? As with any fresh herb, appearance and aroma are key. Look for grey-green leaves that appear healthy, vibrant, and full of life. You’ll recognize sage by its powerful, earthy scent with a hint of citrus. Avoid leaves that seem lifeless and flaccid.
Storing sage is a breeze. Wrap fresh sage leaves in paper towels or plastic wrap before placing them in a plastic bag and storing them in the refrigerator. This way, they should stay fresh for up to 5 days. For dried sage, keep it in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, in a cool and shady spot. Properly stored, dried sage can retain its flavor and aroma for at least 6 months, possibly up to a year.
Did you know you can freeze fresh sage leaves for up to a year? Before freezing, remove the leaves from the stems, wash and dry them thoroughly. Place the leaves inside a freezer bag, and consider it done.
Now, how can you tell if your sage has gone bad? Keep an eye out for leaves that have turned soft or soggy. If the leaves lose their vibrant color and appear dull or brown, it’s a sign that they are past their prime. Lastly, if your sage smells unpleasant, it’s time to say goodbye.
If you’re wondering about substitutes for sage, we have good news for you. While there’s no perfect replacement for sage’s unique piney flavor, several herbs can step in when needed. Since sage belongs to the mint family, mints like marjoram, rosemary, and thyme can serve as excellent stand-ins for sage. Among them, marjoram is the closest in terms of aroma, although it’s slightly milder. As for rosemary and thyme, you’ll need to use less compared to the amount of sage you had planned to include.
Now that you’re a sage expert, it’s time to get cooking! Why not add some sage to your shopping cart? BDK Restaurant has got you covered with fresh organic sage and even rubbed sage. Explore the available options at grocery stores near you with the help of Instacart, saving you time and money.
