Sage Seed

A perennial herb of good flavour used principally in forcemeat stuffing for game and poultry.

Throughout history Sage has been thought to prolong life and good health.

It is a strongly fragranced and flavoured herb. One chef said 'In the grand opera of cooking, sage represents an easily-offended and capricious prima donna. It likes to have the stage almost to itself.'

A member of the mint family.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

• Perennial.
• Hardy evergreen.
• Reaches 24-32" (60- 80 cm).
• Likes a sunny position sheltered from the wind.
• Prefers light, well-drained, slightly chalky (alkaline) soil.
• Ddo not overwater.
• Flowers May-July with pink 'spikes' of flowers.
• Sow in the spring, ½" (1 cm) deep drills.
• Germination usually takes about 14 days.
• Thin or transplant to 8" (20 cm) apart and again (if needed) to it's final position the following Spring.
• Avoid planting in close proximity to Rosemary. Rosemary and Sage do not 'get on' and the Sage will at best struggle, at worst die off!

• Culinary Uses.
• Good for stuffing pork and chicken.
• Makes a yummy butter, which is particularly good on roast chicken!)
• Can be used in salads.
• Use to make sage vinegar.
• Good in stews and soup.

• Medicinal Uses.
• Excellent for helping digest fatty foods.
• Disinfectant and antifungal properties.
• Contains oestrogen.
• Can help combat diarrhoea.
• Can be used as a teeth whitener. or as a mouthwash to help mouth ulcers, inflamed gums, laryngitis and tonsillitis.
• The seeds can be infused in water to remove foreign matter from your eyes.
• Can soothe tired muscles.
• Can be used as a blood tonic.
• Suppresses sweating (so can be useful for hot flushes during menopause).
• Will help strengthen your nervous system.
• Can help soothe coughs, colds and rheumatism.
• Can be used to help insect bites and skin infections.
• Can improve your memory!

• Other Uses.
• Is sometimes used in decorations such as wreaths.
• Discourages insects particularly from laundry.
• Deodorizes animal and cooking smells when burnt.
• Can be used in a conditioner to darken grey hair.

[MedicinalDisclaimer] Should not be taken for long periods. Avoid if you are pregnant or suffering from epilepsy.