SATUREIA, savory; a genus of the gymnosperma order, belonging to the didynamia class of plants.
Species. 1. The hortensis, or summer savory, is an annual plant, which grows naturally in the south of France and Italy, but is cultivated in this country both for the kitchen and medicinal use. 2. The montana, or winter savory, is a perennial plant growing naturally in the south of France and Italy, but is cultivated in gardens both for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Culture. Both kinds are propagated by seeds. Those of the first kind should be sown in the beginning of April upon a bed of light earth, either where they are to remain, or for transplanting. If the plants are to stand unremoved, they should be sown thinly; but if they are to be transplanted, they may be sown closer. The second species may be sown upon a poor dry soil, where the plants will
will endure the severest winters, though they are often killed by the frost when planted in good ground. The plants will continue several years; but when they are old, the shoots will be shot and not so well furnished with leaves: it will therefore be proper to raise a supply of young plants every year.
Uses. Summer favor is a very warm pungent aromatic; and affords in distillation with water a subtle essential oil, of a penetrating smell, and very hot acrid taste. It yields little of its virtues by infusion to aqueous liquors; rectified spirit extracts the whole of its taste and smell, and elevates nothing in distillation.