Sage, an herb with a family of over 800 species around the world, has a long and respected history as a healing plant, and is known to have a multitude of uses, including everything from deodorant, to lip balm to salads.
Praised throughout history for its reputed powers of longevity and immortality, sage was so highly valued by the Chinese in the 17th century that Dutch merchants would trade one pound of sage leaves for four pounds of Chinese tea. There is a saying that sage grows according to the wealth of the family who own the land and another that it only prospers where the wife rules. Sage planted with rue was thought to keep toads away. In French, sage means “wise,” stemming from the belief that it strengthens the memory and probably the fosters the phrase, “giving sage advice.”
The name Salvia comes from the Latin word salvere , which means, “to be in good health.” Sage is a great remedy for colds as a surprisingly delicious hot tea, and combined with a little cider vinegar, it makes an excellent gargle for sore throats, laryngitis and tonsillitis. But just when you think you’ve got a miracle cure, be warned that drinking the tea for more than a week or two at a time can cause potentially toxic effects because of its strong antiseptic properties.
Often overlooked and undervalued as a landscape plant, sage is a handsome aromatic shrub, growing from 1-2 feet in height. It’s part of a large family with over 800 species around the world and is grown as an annual, biennial or perennial according to location. In most areas, sage is a hardy perennial. It typically remains evergreen, with downy leaves in various colors of a shape described by the Greeks as a “camel’s tongue.” Popular with bees, it grows in full sun and likes well-drained, alkaline soil. Cut it back after flowering and replace every four to five years. Prune frequently to keep it bushy.
Long before there was Mum and Secret, sage was a powerful deodorant, and even today, sage water should be in everyone’s collection of toiletries. Simmer a good-sized sprig of sage in a pint of distilled water for 10 minutes, strain into a spray bottle and voila! You have great daily underarm protection. Use in facial steams and as a rinse to condition and darken hair. Put dried leaves among linen to discourage insects, and boil in water to disinfect a room. Sage smoke deodorizes animal and cooking smells and is used by Native Americans in smudge sticks to eliminate bad spirits.
Sage Leaf Fritters
20-30 sage leaves, oil for deep-frying.
Batter:? cup all purpose flour, 4 tbsp. warm water, pinch of salt, 2 tbsp. olive oil, 1 large egg white.
Instructions:Carefully rinse and dry herb leaves. For the batter, mix the flour and salt together in a bowl. Blend in the oil and water until smooth and creamy. Leave to stand for 1-2 hours in a cool place.
Whisk the egg white until stiff and then fold it carefully into the batter.
Heat the oil until a drop of batter crisps and browns quickly but does not burn. Dip the leaves, one at a time, into the batter. Fry, several at a time, for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Carefully remove the fritters and drain on paper towels. Keep warm in the oven until all are cooked. Serve immediately.
Sage Butter
1 cup butter at room temperature; 2 garlic cloves or shallots, minced; 6 tbsps. chopped sage; 1 tbsp. lemon juice, sea salt and black pepper. Serve with broiled pork chops or whole baked onions. It also makes a zesty spread for muffins or crackers.
