INTRODUCTION:

• Sage, (Salvia officinalis), also called common sage or garden sage.
• Sage is aromatic herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) cultivated for its pungent leaves.
• Sage is a perennial plant and grows about 60 cm (2 feet) tall. The oval leaves are rough or wrinkled and usually downy; the color ranges from gray-green to whitish green, and some varieties are variegated.
• The flowers are borne in spikes and feature tubular two-lipped corollas that are attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The flowers can be purple, pink, white, or red and produce nutlet fruits.

HOW TO PLANT SAGE:

• Plant sage in full sun.
• Sage should be planted in well-drained soil.
• For best growth, the soil should be porous in nature.
• The easiest and best way to start sage is from a small plant. Set the plants 2 feet apart.
• In the garden, plant near rosemary, cabbage, and carrots, but keep sage away from cucumbers

HOW TO GROW SAGE:

• Be sure to water the young plants regularly until they are fully grown so that they don’t dry out. They need a consistent moisture supply until they start growing quickly.
• Prune the heavier, woody stems every spring.
• It’s best to replace the plants every few years so they remain productive.

HOW TO HARVEST SAGE:

• Pinch off leaves or snip off small sprigs from the plant.
• During the first year, harvest lightly to ensure that the plant grows fully.
• After the first year, be sure to leave a few stalks so that the plant can rejuvenate in the future.
• If fully established, one plant can be harvested up to three times in one season.
• Stop harvesting in the fall so the plant can prepare for winter.

HOW TO STORE SAGE:

• Sage’s flavor is best when fresh, but it can be stored frozen or dried.
• To dry, hang sprigs in a shady, well-ventilated area and allow them to air dry, waiting until the leaves crumble easily to store in tightly lidded jars.
• Sage keeps its flavor better if stored in the freezer. Freeze leaves or stalks on a tray, then move the leaves into a zippered bag or container. Some cooks blend the leaves with oil, pack the ground mixture into ice cube trays to freeze, and then transfer the cubes to a container.

        HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAGE:

Consumption of sage improves memory and enhances over all brain function.

•        It strengthens immune system

•        It is rich in antioxidants

•        It improves skin health

•        It supports digestive health.

Common uses:

•        Brew fresh leaves for tea

•        Sprinkle as a garnish for dishes

•        Inhale essential oil

This plant is a popular ingredient for several dishes and beauty products, so you can easily reap the benefits of sage in a multitude of ways.

KEYWORDS: uses of sage, health benefits of sage, how to store sage, how to harvest sage leaves, how to grow sage, common sage, garden sage, how to prune, at what stage we need to prune.

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