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MARCH 2015 HOMES PLUS 3 Distributed by: ©2011 by Conley Media Waukesha County Homes Plus is published monthly by Conley Media - Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. A publication of Conley Media Sales Director: Jim Baumgart 262/513-2621 jbaumgart@conleynet.com Editor: Dan Muckelbauer 262/513-2626 dmuck@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262/513-2690 pscheel@conleynet.com Homes Plus Volume 5 ■ Number 2 ■ March 2015 241690004 242964021 Savory a savvy choice for Herb of the Year Savory (Satureja sp.) has been chosen as the Herb of the Year by both the Interna- tional and National Herb societies for 2015. It has been long known as the bean herb, pepper herb and stewing herb. A little history lesson here for you. It's known as the bean herb because of its medicinal digestive qualities and is often used in the preparation of beans. It's known as the pepper herb because of its spicy, peppery flavor, although one is minty. It's known as the stewing herb because of its use in soups, stews, marinara and other tomato sauces. It's one of the herbs in the famous Herbes de Provence, along with oregano, thyme, rosemary and marjoram. Its native origin is from around the northern regions of the Mediterranean Sea. There are four main varieties of savory: summer, winter, creeping and the often missed Indian Mint. Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is an annual plant that grows more upright, about 24 inches, but can be controlled with regular pinching and usage. It grows in full sun and well-drained, rich soil. It flowers in colors of pink and purple with a spicy fla- vor and fragrance. This is probably the most grown and used variety. It became more popular than winter savory because it was thought to be an aphrodisiac back in Roman times, where winter was thought to lower the libido. Therefore it gained over- whelming popularity, although neither is true. Winter savory (Satureja montana) is a perennial plant that thrives in similar con- ditions, although it needs more water dur- ing dry times. It also has a spicy, peppery flavor and fragrance. It is more mounded with white flowers and reaches only 12 inches. I actually prefer this one as far as flavor goes, a little less spicy and well- rounded. Plus it's a perennial. MICHAEL TIMM See SAVORY/Page 4

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