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Summer Savory

Summer savory is an annual herb in the mint family, scientifically named Satureja hortensis.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is an annual herb in the mint family, widely cultivated as a culinary herb for its aromatic, peppery leaves. It is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia and is known for its traditional medicinal and ornamental uses. Summer savory is the most commonly used culinary species of savory, distinct from the perennial winter savory.

Description

Summer savory is a small aromatic annual herb with narrow leaves and tubular lilac to pale pink flowers. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is closely related to winter savory.

Culinary use

The herb is best known as a seasoning for foods such as poultry, beans, soups, sauces, vegetables, and stuffing. Its leaves are commonly used either fresh or dried for a peppery, savory flavour.

Distribution and cultivation

The species is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia and is now grown widely as a culinary herb. It is commonly cultivated in warm climates and may naturalize outside its native range.

Traditional and other uses

Beyond cooking, summer savory has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine. It is also grown as an ornamental or companion plant in some gardens.

Key facts

  • Summer savory is an annual herb in the mint family.
  • Its leaves have a peppery, thyme-like flavour.
  • It is used fresh or dried to season meats, soups, vegetables, and stuffings.
  • The plant is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia.
  • It is widely cultivated as a culinary herb.
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Canadian context

Summer savory is grown in Canadian herb gardens and is available through some Canadian gardening and culinary sources; it may also naturalize in parts of northeastern North America, which is relevant to Canadian gardeners and herb users.

Frequently asked questions

What is summer savory?
Summer savory is an annual herb, Satureja hortensis, valued mainly for its aromatic leaves used in cooking.
Is summer savory the same as winter savory?
No. Summer savory is annual and usually milder, while winter savory is perennial and often described as more bitter.
What does summer savory taste like?
It is commonly described as peppery, aromatic, and thyme-like.
What parts of the plant are used?
The leaves are the main culinary part, used fresh or dried; flowering tops are also sometimes harvested.
Where is summer savory native to?
It is native to southeastern Europe and parts of western Asia.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_savory
    Supports: Scientific name, annual habit, native range, flower colour, bloom period, relation to winter savory
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/summer-savory
    Supports: Common culinary species, annual shrubby herb, warm-climate growth
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/summer%20savory
    Supports: Definition as aromatic annual European mint with leaves used for seasoning
  4. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/savory/601278
    Supports: Mint family, culinary uses, scientific name
  5. Native Plant Trust — https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/satureja/hortensis/
    Supports: Native range, cultivation, introduction in northeastern North America, traditional medicinal uses
  6. NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/satureja-hortensis/
    Supports: Edible annual herb, culinary uses, growth habit, cultivation notes