Region of Origin
Commodity:
Sage
Description & Origin
Sage is a perennial shrub in the same plant family as rosemary and mint. The herb has long stems and rounded, greyish-green leaves that are covered in a soft white fuzz. A purple tint may be present on young leaves. Sage has an intoxicating earthy-pine flavor that can become dull once dried.
Sage is native to the Mediterranean region, but it has been naturalized around the world. It...
Other Names
Common Sage, Salvia (Spanish/Italian), Sauge (French), Salbei (German), Maramia (Arabic)
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Sage has been considered a medicinal herb for centuries. In ancient Greece and Rome, sage was used to address various ailments, including insomnia, lethargy, pain, snake bites, and worms. In the Arabic world, sage was associated with immortality. Today, sage is believed to have antibacterial, antifungal, diuretic, hypoglycemic, and estrogenic effects. Studies suggest that sage may lower cholesterol, improve brain function, and be an effective treatment for skin conditions.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Although traditionally most often used for its medicinal benefits, sage is also an important culinary herb around the world, especially Europe and the Middle East. It is used both fresh and dried, but the fresh leaves contain a distinct grassy, earthy flavor that becomes duller when dried. The herb is often used in marinades, sauces, butters, soups, stews, flatbreads, and pastas.
Flavor Pairings
Potato, Butternut Squash, Kabocha Squash, Mushroom, Pear, Apple, Garlic, White Bean, Corn Meal, Walnut, Ricotta, Brown Butter, Turkey, Chicken, Pork, Sausage
How to Store & Use in the Kitchen
Store sage wrapped in a damp paper towel in a container in the fridge. Sage can also be dried for long-term storage or infused into oils and frozen.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Use sage stems to add flavor to soups, stews, and marinades.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
32-36°F
RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
32-39°F (Cold Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
No
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
90-95%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
No
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
No
Quality Assessment
Look for sage with smooth, vivid leaves free from brown spotting, decay, or excessive leaf drop.
Important Handling Notes
Note that sage, along with rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and oregano should be stored at a slightly lower relative humidity than leafy herbs. Sage is a hardy herb that travels well, but care should be made to prevent water loss by storing in their original packaging.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, fresh herbs may last 2-3 weeks.