Main points

salvia , an redolent herb renowned for its culinary and medicinal property , is a various addition to any garden or windowsill . Whether you ’re a seasoned gardener or a novice herbalist , knowing how topick sageoff the plant right is important to preserving its cheekiness and tone . Thisdetailed guidewill indue you with the techniques and knowledge necessary toharvest sagelike a pro .

When to Harvest Sage

The ideal time toharvest salvia dependson its intended use . For fresh leaves , peck sagebefore it bloom , typically inearly summer . This is when the leaf are at their most sore and flavourous . For dried salvia , reap it just before the flowers bloom , when the leaf contain the highest compactness of essential oils .

Tools You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Picking Guide

1 . Identify the skillful Leaves : Choose leaves that arevibrant greenish , innocent from blemish , and have astrong aroma . Avoid clean leave that are yellow , droop , or have insect damage.2 . Cut the Stem : Usingsharp shearsor scissor hold , carefully cutthe stems of the leaves you want to harvest . Cut at a 45 - academic degree angleto prevent the fore from drying out.3 . Remove the Leaves : Once the stems are cut , gently removethe leaves by skid your thumb and index down the radical . ward off bust or bruising the leaves.4 . Gather the Leaves : Place theharvested leavesin a basket or container . Do not overcrowd the leafage , as this can lead to bruising.5 . Bundling ( Optional):If you ’re harvest alarge quantityof salvia , regard bundling the folio together usingrubber bandsor string . This will make it easier to dry or store the salvia .

Drying Sage

To dry out salvia , hang the bundles upside down in a warm , ironic , and well - ventilate arena . The leaves will be completely dry within 1 - 2 weeks . Once dry , store the sage in anairtight containerin a cool , dark home .

Freezing Sage

Freezing salvia is another way to preserve its freshness . Wash the parting and dab them dry . order the leaf in a deep freezer - good bag and immobilise for up to 3 months .

Other Harvesting Techniques

1 . Pinching : For aquick harvest , pinch off the steer of thesage leaves . This technique is suitable forsmall quantitiesof refreshed sage.2 . Shearing : expend shears to trim theentire plant life backby about one - third . Thismethod encouragesnew growth and can be donemultiple timesthroughout the season .

Tips for Picking Sage

Uses of Sage

Sage is aversatile herbwithnumerous culinaryandmedicinal practical program . Here are a few way to use it :

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1 . What is the practiced way to dry out sage?Hanging sage bundles upside down in a warm , dry , and well - ventilate areais the mosteffective methodfor drying sage.2 . Can I freeze sage?Yes , you canfreeze sage . Wash the leaf and pat them dry before placing them in a deep-freeze - safe purse . They will keep for up to 3 months.3 . What are thehealth benefitsof sage?Sage is arich sourceof antioxidants and has anti - rabble-rousing and antibacterial property . It is traditionally used to improve digestion , lose weight anxiety , and further the immune system.4 . Can I grow salvia indoors?Yes , sage can begrown indoorsin asunny windowsillor under grow lights . Ensure the dirt is well - draining and water the plant regularly.5 . How often should I harvest sage?You canharvest sage regularlythroughout the growing time of year , butavoid overharvesting . Pinch off the lead of the leave or shear theplant backby about one - third .