Salvia officinalis ( sage , also called garden sage , or common sage ) is a perennial, evergreen subshrub , with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the family Lamiaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region, though it has naturalized in many places throughout the world. It has a long history of medicinal and culinary use, and in modern times as an ornamental garden plant. The common name ” sage ” is also used for a number of related and unrelated species.
Salvia officinalis dries well for long-term storage. For best flavor, harvest garden sage in mid- to late morning, after dew dries. Essential oil concentrations are greatest in leaves near noon. Air dry leaves on stems spread on screens or laid in baskets, or bundle a few stems together and hang upside down in a dark place. Once leaves are dry, store them whole in air-tight jars with tight fitting lids. Flavor remains more intense if you don’t break up leaves until you need them.
Salvia officinalis is a Mediterranean herb, which means it likes soil on the dry side that drains well. Rocky, not-too-fertile soil is just right for garden sage to thrive. Wet, poorly draining soils can actually deliver a death blow to common sage. This salvia plant thrives in containers, too, and grows well in terra-cotta pots, which wick moisture from soil.
