Herb Summer Savory

WHEN TO SOW In late spring.

SOW OUTSIDE When the soil has warmed. Sow in shallow drills or broadcast where the plants are to remain. Cover lightly with soil and water well. Prefers good soil in a sunny position. Germination normally takes 2 to three weeks under an ideal temperature of 18-20C.

WHAT TO DO NEXT Transplant when large enough to handle. Thin the seedlings to 30cm apart and leave to grow. Then leave the plant where it is a it doesn't take to being moved.

HARVEST Any time for drying just before flowering. August is the ideal month for HARVESTing.

USES Good for use in cooking meat, fish and eggs. Is ideal melted with butter and drizzled over fish or fresh summer vegetables.

HANDY TIP The plant will self-sow for next year if some seeds are left to develop on the plant.

RECIPE Snap beans with savory butter and bacon. 1lb snap beans, cut 1 tsp salt 1 Tbsp fresh summer savory 1 Tbsp butter 2 slices crisp fried bacon (can be excluded) Cook beans in salted water to cover with the summer savory added to the water. When the beans are done, drain and toss with butter. Serve immediately with bits of the crisply fried bacon over the top. Do not confuse with Winter Savory which has a less mild, more pungent, bitter flavour, not unlike thyme and rosemary.