Discover the Surprising Benefits of Sage: Flavor and Wellness in Every Leaf!
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When I think about herbs that are both flavorful and full of health benefits, sage is one that stands out. Sage has been used for centuries in cooking and medicine. Let me share with you all the wonderful things I’ve learned about sage and why I love using it in my kitchen and for my health.
First, let’s talk about the taste of sage. Sage has a warm, slightly peppery flavor with hints of lemon and eucalyptus. It’s a strong herb, so a little goes a long way. I love using sage in savory dishes like stuffing, roasted meats, and even some pasta dishes. It adds a unique depth of flavor that really enhances the food.
But sage is not just about taste. It has many health benefits too. One of the most important benefits of sage is its ability to boost brain function. Sage contains compounds that have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.
Whenever I have to do bookkeeping or need to concentrate on a project, I make sure to add a little extra sage to my meals.
Another great benefit of sage is its anti-inflammatory properties. Sage contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body. This can be especially helpful for people with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. I find that drinking sage tea helps soothe any minor aches and pains I might have.
Sage is also great for your digestive system. It can help with problems like bloating, gas, and indigestion. When I have an upset stomach, I often chew on a few fresh sage leaves or brew some sage tea. It really helps to settle my stomach and make me feel better.
One of the most surprising benefits of sage is its ability to help with sore throats. Sage has natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which means it can help fight off the bacteria that cause throat infections. When I feel a sore throat coming on, I gargle with sage tea. It’s a simple and natural way to soothe my throat and feel better quickly.
Sage is also known for its ability to improve mood and reduce stress. The aroma of sage has a calming effect, which can help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. I like to burn dried sage leaves as incense or add a few drops of sage essential oil to my bath when I need to relax.
Growing sage at home is easy and rewarding. Sage is a hardy plant that doesn’t need a lot of water, and it grows well in pots or in the ground. It’s so convenient to have fresh sage on hand whenever I need it.
One of the best things about sage is how versatile it is in cooking. It pairs well with a variety of other herbs and spices, so it’s easy to experiment with different flavor combinations. I love using sage in my homemade soups and stews, as well as in my Thanksgiving stuffing. It also adds a delicious flavor to roasted vegetables and meats.
In conclusion, sage is an amazing herb that offers both great flavor and incredible health benefits. Whether you’re looking to boost your brain function, reduce inflammation, soothe a sore throat, or improve your digestion, sage is the herb for you. I love having fresh sage in my kitchen and garden, and I encourage you to give it a try too. You won’t be disappointed!
Creamy Herb Chicken
Ingredients:
2 large chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Flour for dredging
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped poultry herb mix (sage/thyme/rosemary)
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste
Instructions:
Cut chicken in half lengthwise; sprinkle both sides with the garlic powder and salt & pepper, then dredge the chicken in the flour so it’s completely coated.
Add the olive oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in when the pan is hot. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes/side until it's nice and golden, then take the chicken out of the pan and set aside.
Add the white wine and mustard to the pan and stir thoroughly. Let it bubble for a few minutes (it should reduce quite a bit).
Stir in the cream and herbs and add the chicken back into the pan. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes or so (you may need to turn the heat down), until the chicken is cooked though and the sauce is thickened. Season with extra salt & pepper as needed, and sprinkle the chopped parsley on top if using.
Tips:
I don’t recommend subbing the heavy cream for a lower fat alternative. The sauce will be thinner, not taste as rich, and be more prone to curdling.
I like the classic poultry mix, but you can definitely get more creative with the herbs if you want. If you’ve got other fresh garden herbs, feel free to use them!
I haven’t made this recipe with dried herbs, but you could definitely use a dried herb blend (try Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence) or individual dried herbs. Just be sure to start with small amounts, taste, and go from there since some herbs taste more concentrated when dried.
Recipe Source:
https://www.saltandlavender.com/creamy-herb-chicken-recipe/
Sage and Brown Butter Gnocchi
Ingredients:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook Gnocchi
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes).
- Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
2. Prepare Brown Butter
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns a golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 3-4 minutes). Be careful not to burn it.
3. Add Sage and Garlic
- Add the chopped sage leaves and minced garlic to the skillet with the brown butter.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the sage is crispy and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Combine Gnocchi
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet.
- Toss to coat the gnocchi evenly with the brown butter, sage, and garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve
- Transfer the gnocchi to serving plates.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with toasted pine nuts if desired.
6. Enjoy
- Serve this sage and brown butter gnocchi as a delightful main course or a hearty side dish.
This recipe highlights the wonderful flavor of sage, complemented by the richness of brown butter and the light, pillowy texture of gnocchi.
