If you are a savory dish lover, you might probably be familiar with sage.
However, sage is not a typical ingredient that you would find in most kitchens and feature mostly on your holiday menus.
So what is sage used for, and what does sage taste like?
Sage offers versatility and is very easy to use. You can make it the star ingredient for any dish or let it take the backseat to help other elements shine out.
You will love working with sage, and if you want to know more about it, you may want to continue reading.
What is Sage?
Sage relates to mint and has a sharp aroma that is common across the mint family.
You can describe its appearance as a greenish-gray with soft and woolly spear-shaped leaves that have a pebbled texture.
The herb has a pine-like aroma and flavor, with some describing it of having citrus and eucalyptus notes as well.
You can find sage in fresh and dried form and can use it in both ways. However, if you want more flavors, you might want to consider opting for the fresh leaves instead of the dried ones.
Sage is very popular in America and European cuisines, and thanksgiving turkey recipe is one of its common usages.
What Does Sage Taste Like? Does Sage Taste Good?
If you could describe the taste of sage in one word, you might want to consider it savory. The flavor faintly resembles pine, but it is nowhere close to juniper if you had that in mind.
As we mentioned earlier, it carries a subtle citrus note and is much softer. You may also find the taste to be a bit bitter like arugula and parsley, but not to the point that it overpowers your recipes.
Also known as the garden sage, sage carries an earthy flavor with lots of health benefits as well.
Sage is high on nutrients, and according to Healthline, a handful of sage can fulfill 10% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin K.
It also contains various antioxidants, which help in balancing your cholesterol levels and also lowers the risk of cancer and improves memory.
With so much on offer, you might consider a space in your garden for growing it.
How to Cook/Use Sage in Recipes?
Among the many varieties of sages, garden sage is the one you should consider to use in your recipes. Sage is excellent for seasoning as it carries an intense aroma and also provides an earthy flavor to your dishes.
When you consider cooking with it, sausages may be an ideal start. However, you can pair it with any meat with poultry being one of the best pairs for many, as it offers a distinct taste.
You can also pair it with other recipes such as chicken risotto, polenta, and omelets, among others.
Sage goes well with brussel sprouts, and you can also try Swiss chard with sage butter for an altogether different experience. You can also try other herb combinations such as marjoram, oregano, and bay leaf, among others.
The taste of sage also differs as you change your cooking techniques. For instance, if you want a robust sage flavor, you may want to add it in the beginning, and for a milder taste, adding it towards the end is an ideal option.
Tip: You can use sage for cleansing by lighting it up in your house.
Conclusion
Whether you are using sage for cooking or cleansing your body or house, sage makes an excellent choice for any home.
With so many health benefits and versatile nature, sage is an essential piney herb that turns your regular dishes into mouthwatering treats.
What Does Sage Taste Like? Does Sage Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Sage
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
About The Author
