Types of sage for culinary uses.
Common sage, with the scientific name Salvia officinalis, is the most popular of the entire genus. It is used for cooking, as it has aromatic and nutritional properties that improve the quality of dishes. In addition, its leaves are used in the preparation of drinks for digestive health and other ailments.
In particular, it is a perennial plant with a rustic appearance, which tends to grow rapidly, especially in spring. It reaches a size of up to 70 centimeters and its leaves can vary from green to bluish gray or silver. It also has lilac or pink flowers of about 3 centimeters.
Other types of Salvia officinalis
Other types of sage that have been obtained from Salvia officinalis can also be used in the kitchen. Their difference lies in characteristics such as the color, size and shape of their flowers. Either way, they can be consumed like common sage, even for medicinal purposes.
Types of ornamental sage.
Ornamental sage types are used as decorative plants, as they have showy leaves and flowers of different colors. In general, these species have no other uses, as they do not have the culinary qualities of common sage.
1. Salvia elegans.
It is also known as "pineapple sage." It is a perennial plant with small tubular red flowers and a pleasant aroma that resembles that of pineapple. It is native to Mexico and Guatemala, where it is planted as an attraction for butterflies and hummingbirds.
2. Salvia melissodora.
It is a woody perennial shrub that grows in soils of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range in Mexico. It can reach a height of 2 meters and is characterized by its violet flowers that give off a pleasant aroma, similar to that of grapes.
3. Salvia splendens.
Some know it as "scarlet sage". It is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to Brazil.
Its flowers grow on erect spikes that spring from the center of the plant. They are a bright red color that is usually seen more frequently during the summer and autumn.
4. Salvia farinacea.
This type of sage is also distinguished as "blue sage." Its attraction is its flower spikes that have shades of blue to purple. However, it is also possible to find varieties with white flowers. It reaches a size of 0.5 to 1 meter.
5. Salvia leucantha.
It is one of the favorite salvias to decorate the garden. Specifically, it is a perennial plant native to Mexico, whose flowers grow in spikes with white, purple or mixed shades. Tolerates drought well.
Sage incense.
Sage incense is an added use of some ornamental sages that are useless in cooking.
6. Appian sage
Beyond its ornamental uses, salvia apiana is used in rituals such as the purification ceremony with incense. Its size reaches up to a meter in height and usually grows in North American soils.
Its leaves are covered with fluff that gives it a white hue. In addition, its flowers are white and may have streaks of violet tones.
Salvias: plants that cannot be missing in your home.
The most popular species of sage, Salvia officinalis, is a staple in most kitchens. This, due to its aromatic power and its ability to enhance the flavor of dishes.
However, there are other varieties that can be used both in the kitchen and to decorate the garden. In general, they are hardy plants and easy to grow.
