Fresh sage
Description
Fresh sage is a shrub with velvety, silvery-green leaves and an intense herbal aroma with pine, bitter-spicy, and slightly citrus notes. Its flavor is strong and concentrated, so it is used sparingly to add depth and character to dishes. Nutritionally, sage is low in calories, providing vitamins K and A, trace amounts of vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It contains antioxidant compounds (e.g., rosmarinic acid) with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, aiding digestion and traditionally associated with improved cognitive function. In the kitchen, fresh sage pairs wonderfully with fatty meats (pork, duck), butter for pasta, gnocchi, fillings, soups, and cheeses, as well as for flavoring oil and butter. Store it wrapped in a damp paper towel in a perforated bag in the refrigerator, using it within a week; it can also be chopped and frozen in oil or butter, or dried for longer storage.
