Sage – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is sage?

Sage is a fragrant herb, known for its strong, earthy aroma. This woody herb is a member of the mint family, like other herbs, including rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil. Sage pops up in several European cuisines, especially around the Mediterranean and in the United Kingdom. It’s also extensively used in North America, and it’s a staple of holiday season recipes.

With its rich flavors, sage pairs well with other strong flavors, and you’ll find it playing off against everything from fatty meats to creamy cheeses. Sage is often used in sausage meat, and it’s a popular ingredient for flavoring the stuffing for roast duck and goose, where you might find it alongside rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and onion. Since sage is more pungent than some other herbs, a little goes a long way—use it in small amounts, or you might overpower the other flavors in your cooking.

Where did sage originate from?

Sage originated in the regions around the Mediterranean and has been in use for thousands of years. In addition to being used in cooking, sage has also been used for medicinal and healing purposes. The ancient Romans used sage as a digestive aid, while the French made sage tea. Sage also piqued the interest of Chinese traders, who would exchange several times as much of their own tea with European traders in return for a pound of the herb.

What is the nutritional value of sage?

A 1tsp (0.7g) serving of sage contains:

• 2.2 calories
• 0.1g protein
• 0.4g carbohydrates
• 0.1g fat
• 0.1mg sodium

Sage is also a source of vitamin K, containing 10% of the recommended daily intake. Other vitamins and minerals found in sage include vitamin A, calcium, iron, manganese, and magnesium.

How is sage grown?

If grown from seeds, sage takes about 2 years to reach maturity. Sage is planted in spring, just before the last frost date. However, the seeds should be sown in an indoor environment 1 to 2 months before the last frost. Sage has fairly specific demands regarding the conditions it likes to grow in, so make sure the soil you’re using is sage-friendly. The plant doesn’t need to be watered frequently. Sage can grow indoors or outdoors, but it does need a lot of sunlight.

Depending on where it is growing, sage can be a perennial or an annual plant. Sage can be clipped off the plant as you need it, but growers also recommend taking a larger harvest a couple of times per growing season to keep the plant growing evenly. The best time to pick sage leaves is just before the plant begins to flower.

When is sage in season?

Fresh sage is available all year round from most good grocery stores. Organic varieties are readily available, and of course, you can also pick up pre-packaged dried and rubbed sage in the spice aisle.

What should I look for when buying sage?

As you would when choosing any fresh herb, pay attention to how fresh sage looks and smells. The grey-green leaves should appear healthy, pert, and brightly colored. The scent should be powerful, with sage’s unmistakable earthy, citrus-tinged aroma. Skip by leaves that appear lifeless and flaccid.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for sage via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for sage.

How to store sage

Wrap fresh sage leaves in paper towels or plastic wrap, place them in a plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator. Fresh sage leaves should keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. For dried sage, use an airtight container and store it in a cool, shady place away from direct sunlight. Dried sage can retain its flavor and aroma for at least 6 months and potentially as long as a year if it is stored appropriately.

Fresh sage can also be frozen for up to a year. Before freezing, remove the leaves from the stems, then wash and dry the leaves. Place the leaves inside a freezer bag, and you’re good to go.

How to tell if sage is bad

Signs that your sage has gone bad could include:

• Leaves that have turned soft or soggy
• Leaves that have lost their vibrant color, appearing dull or turning brown
• Bad smell from the leaves

What can I substitute for sage?

There’s no perfect substitute for the piney flavor of sage, but a number of herbs can be called on to deputize. Remember we said sage is a member of the mint family? That makes fellow mints like marjoram, rosemary, and thyme great stand-ins for sage. Of all the possibilities, marjoram provides the closest approximation of the earthy, citrusy aroma of sage, although marjoram is less potent. Rosemary and thyme are both good alternatives, but you’ll need a lot less rosemary than the quantity of sage you planned on using.

Add sage to your cart today!

Now you’re an expert on sage. The next step is to get cooking, so why not go ahead and add some sage to your cart? Instacart can help you save time and money on everything from fresh organic sage to rubbed sage, so explore what’s in stock at grocery stores near you.

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