You may be surprised to hear that simple, everyday herbs have superfood qualities. The word sage is derived from the Latin word, “salvere”, which means to be saved. And this high esteem with which sage was regarded has not been forgotten. Modern day science is just beginning to confirm the ancient medicinal uses of sage.
Sage is a native of the Mediterranean, and has been enjoyed in this region for several thousand years. It was considered to be a sacred plant by the Greeks and the Romans, and used by the Arabs to increase mental acuity.
This is an excellent herb to include in your back-to-school lunchbox to help maintain mental focus during what’s often a long afternoon.
The Many Health Benefits of Sage Include:
- Is an excellent memory enhancer
- Anti-microbial and anti-parasitic properties that support good gut health
- Very high in antioxidants that fight off inflammation in the body
- Great for inflammatory conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis), as well as bronchial asthma
- Has blood-sugar lowering effects, making it helpful for diabetics
Selecting and Storing:
Whenever possible, choose fresh sage over dried. When it comes to flavor, fresh is best. To store fresh sage leaves, wrap them in a damp paper towel and store in an unsealed plastic bag for up to four days in the refrigerator.
If fresh sage is unavailable, you can substitute one tablespoon of fresh sage for 1 tsp of powdered sage in any recipe.
Quick Prep Ideas:
- Add to breads, soups, stews, and casseroles
- Combine with beans, as in my Sage White Bean Patties
- Add to baked fish or chicken recipes
- Use in turkey stuffing
- Add it to your favorite dips
Your Simple Action Plan:
Back to school? Try my Sage White Bean Patties for the perfect back-to school lunch. Now’s the perfect time to upgrade your kids’ lunches (and yours!).
