savory

savory, name for any plant of the genus Satureja, aromatic herbs and subshrubs of the family Labiatae (mint family). Commonly cultivated as border ornamentals or potherbs are two species of the Mediterranean region and surrounding areas: summer savory (S. montana or S. hortensis) and winter, or spring, savory (S. acinos). Summer savory is the plant most frequently grown commercially and in herb gardens for its foliage, used as savory spice. The aromatic oil is extracted for flavoring processed foods, sausages, and catsup. Winter savory is sometimes used medicinally as an aromatic and carminative. Savory is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Lamiales, family Labiatae.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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