Amore Amaro

Original photo by: Elena Peabody.

Annual sage is a savory and aromatic herb. Unlike the more common green sage, the ‘pink Sunday’ variety has bright pink leaves.

Uses

Annual sage is not a known ingredient in any amaro recipe: it is included here to add depth to the garden design and for its historic medicinal use.

Historical context

Salvia horminum was written about as early as Discorides.¹ Commonly called “clary,“ the plant has leaves and stems that are both antiseptic and aromatic. It is not a known ingredient in amaro but it is notable that the leaves and seeds are able to “greatly increase the potency of the brew,” when added to an active ferment. Also, essential oils extracted from annual sage is used to flavor certain beer and wines.²

Cultivation

Sage is easily grown from seed. It prefers well-drained soil, and can even tolerate rocky landscapes. It does well in full sun, can handle some drought, watering requirements are on the lighter side.³

Pests

Sage is susceptible to root rot.⁴

References

1. Opsomer-Halleux, Carméla. “The Medieval Garden and Its Role in Medicine,” in Medieval Gardens (Dumbarton Oaks Colloquia on the History of Landscape Architecture, v9). Washington, D.C.: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, 1986 (p. 109, 113)
2. NaturalMedicinalHerbs.net, “Clary.” Accessed September 3, 2019.
3. Missouri Botanical Garden, “Salvia officinalis.” Accessed August 14, 2019.
4. Ibid.