Spice of the Week: Sage

Sage, a plant often used in ceremonies meant to drive out bad spirits, has through the course of history been perceived as a cure-all, a culinary herb and an antiperspirant.

This is reflected in its botanical name Salvia officinalis, which comes from the Latin word salvere, meaning to heal. But it has also been used for vanity – in the Middle Ages, it was used as black hair dye. Want to know more about sage and its historical relevance for Greeks, Romans, Arabs and other cultures? Then visit the BLE and try out the recipe.