Fresh Sage — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

Fresh sage should have soft, yet firm leaves with a velvety texture. Its color should be a deep, silvery green. Crush a leaf slightly to smell its warm, aromatic scent, ensuring it’s potent and fresh.

Steer clear of sage with dry or brittle leaves, which suggest they have lost much of their essential oils. Properly fresh sage will add depth and a slight peppery taste to dishes.

Fresh sage should be stored in the refrigerator. Wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag to maintain its freshness. Properly stored, fresh sage can last up to a week.

Prolonged exposure to air can cause sage to wilt and lose flavor. Avoid placing it near strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb odors. Keep the bag loosely sealed to ensure it stays fresh and aromatic.

Fresh sage can last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. For longer storage, sage can be dried and kept for up to 6 months in an airtight container.

Leftover fresh sage can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, sage’s earthy, slightly peppery flavor complements dishes like stuffing, roasted meats, pasta, and soups. Sage leaves can also be fried to make a crispy garnish for various dishes.

Beyond cooking, fresh sage has a long history of use in traditional remedies and rituals. It’s often used in smudging to cleanse and purify spaces; burning dried sage is believed to remove negative energy from a room. Fresh sage can also be brewed into a tea that is traditionally used to help soothe sore throats and improve digestion. Sage leaves can be used in homemade beauty treatments, such as an herbal face steam or a hair rinse to help darken graying hair. Additionally, sage has antimicrobial properties and can be used in natural cleaning solutions.

Fresh sage is a medicinal herb rich in antioxidants, such as rosmarinic acid, which support brain function by improving memory and cognitive health. Its anti-inflammatory properties may promote heart health by reducing inflammation and improving circulation. Sage also contains antimicrobial compounds that support digestive health by reducing bloating and aiding digestion. Additionally, sage is known to help balance hormones and may reduce symptoms associated with menopause, supporting overall women’s health.