Produce recently spotted at The Market
Produce Briefs...
Roselle Flowers
Roselle may be used raw, dried or juiced. The fruit's tart flavor requires a sweetener of some kind, and it is successfully used like a cranberry in recipes for jam, jelly, chutney and even wine.
Barrel Cactus Fruit
The fruit of the Barrel cactus is best prepared in sweet applications, since its natural tartness lends itself well to a hint of sugar. Cook the fruit down with agave syrup to make a jam, jelly or a sweet and sour chutney.
Description/Taste
Savory is an underused herb that offers the amalgamation of thyme, rosemary and sage. Summer savory's smooth gray-green narrow leaves have a oregano and thyme-like fragrance and a warming flavor similar to a blend of thyme and marjoram. Winter savory's oblong linear leaves are darker in color, have a less refined flavor with deep peppery undertones. As true with most plants in the Mint family, the leaves are rich with strongly scented oils. They release a strong pine-like aroma. Both plants have woody branches that are similar to the structure of rosemary.
Seasons/Availability
Savory is available year-round.
Current Facts
There are thirty types of savories but only two are used primarily for culinary purposes: summer and winter savory. Summer savory, Satureja hortensis, is an annual and preferred as a fresh herb, whereas winter savory, Satureja montana, is a less common perennial and best dedicated to slow-cooked dishes. The genus name is derived from a Roman half-man, half-goat deity known as a satyr. The plant's connection to love and nature was dedicated to this hedonistic creature that roamed the woodlands of Roman mythology.
Nutritional Value
Both summer and winter Savory's essential oils contain thymol and carvacrol, which offer antibacterial, expectorant and antiseptic qualities.
Applications
Savory has been used as a culinary herb for centuries, in both fresh and dried forms. It is often combined in herb blends such as poultry seasoning, bouquet garni and Herbs de Provence. It stands up especially well to rich meats that have been grilled, stewed or smoked, as well as grilled portabella mushrooms. Because of its essential oils, it is even used in the formulations of bitters and vermouth. Pair Savory with seafood, lamb, beef, poultry, potatoes, dried beans, lentils, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh cheeses (especially goat).
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Before it was used as culinary herb, Savory was used medicinally, most notably to treat indeigestion.
Geography/History
Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, savory has been naturalized in regions of North America since colonists brought it with them during the 18th century as a medicinal herb.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Churchill's Pub and Grille | San Marcos CA | 760-471-8773 |
| Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
| The Cork and Craft | San Diego CA | 858-618-2463 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Parakeet cafe | La Jolla CA | 619-578-1040 |
