WHAT IS SAGE HERB?
Sage is an herb that is part of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a beautiful, leafy-green herb with a distinct aroma. Since ancient times, sage has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes because it not only offers a robust flavor to food. As a culinary herb, it can be used fresh or dried in many foods, including meat and veggie dishes. Learn more about sage spice and how you can use it to spice up your recipes.
WHAT IS SAGE USED FOR IN COOKING?
When it comes to cooking, sage spice is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a garnish, seasoning, and flavor infuser. Fresh sage leaves can be added to your dishes by chopping them finely or as a garnish. Dried leaves are a handy seasoning ingredient in soups, stews, and casseroles. A few ways to use sage herb is to:
- Season dishes containing chicken or sausage
- Infuse melted butter to bathe your steak in
- Add flavor to your root veggies, stuffing recipes and pasta dishes
- Garnish dishes like stew and soups
FRESH VS. DRIED SAGE
Fresh sage has a milder flavor than dried sage. If you prefer just a hint of sage flavor, add it at the beginning of the cooking process. For the fullest flavor, you can add it at the end of the cooking process.
Sage can easily overpower a dish, so you should use it with a light hand if you're experimenting.
RUBBED VS. DRIED SAGE
In addition to fresh and dried sage, this herb is also sold in a rubbed form. Rubbed sage is made by rubbing dried whole sage leaves to make them light and fluffy. Ground sage is made by grinding the entire leaf into a fine powder. You can use either in recipes that call for sage, but expect to get a more robust taste from ground sage.
WHAT ARE SAGE SUBSTITUTIONS?
Sage substitute you can use whenever you’re in a pinch include:
- Rosemary: If you're looking for something fragrant to substitute for sage, rosemary is your next best option. Rosemary is very aromatic with a distinct piney flavor that pairs well with roasted chicken, pork, and lamb.
- Marjoram: This is another spice native to the Mediterranean region that offers a savory yet sweet taste that you can use instead of sage.
- Thyme: Thyme leaves are the perfect substitute for sage in your roasted vegetable, marinade, and meat rub recipes.
WHY DO PEOPLE BURN SAGE?
Sage is often used as part of a New Age cleansing ritual adapted from the Native American practice known as smudging. The idea is that the smoke from a bundle of dried sage can carry away any negative energy present in a room, and the scent can then promote relaxation for a clear mind. As you can see, sage has many uses!
GET YOUR MCCORMICK SAGE PRODUCTS TODAY:
- McCormick Ground Sage
- McCormick Rubbed Sage
- McCormick Organic Sage Leaves
- McCormick Organic Rubbed Sage
TRY OUR FAVORITE RECIPES WITH SAGE:
- Sage Stuffing
- Savory Sage Butter
- Sage Rubbed Turkey Breast
- Sage and Cheddar Potato Gratin
- Sage Pork Roast with Apple Pork Gravy
Want to create a meal plan for your sage recipes? Need help planning your weekly meals and want to try new recipes? Save your favorite food, dessert, and drink recipes and organize your ingredients with McCormick Meal Planner.
