Artisanal Teas & Stone-Ground Spices in Portland

Summer Savory

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$6 $12 In stock

Lighter and sweeter than its winter cousin, summer savory is the peppery green herb that makes a pot of beans, a plate of green beans, or a warm-weather vegetable dish taste finished. Think of it as a softer, more delicate relative of thyme, with a gentle peppery lift and a hint of marjoram. It belongs in cucumber and potato salads, tossed through couscous with lemon and feta, or stirred into lentils and fresh green beans, the pairing European cooks return to again and again.

Summer savory is one of the traditional herbs in the French herbes de Provence blend, valued for its clean, bright character in light cooking. Where winter savory is sharp and piney, summer savory stays mellow and sweet, easy to use with a generous hand. We pack it fresh in small batches in Portland to hold its color and its soft, peppery aroma.

Single ingredient: dried summer savory. No salt, no sugar, no preservatives. Naturally gluten-free and vegan.

What is the difference between summer savory and winter savory?
Summer savory is milder, sweeter, and more delicate, good for lighter dishes and generous use. Winter savory is stronger, sharper, and more piney, better suited to hearty stews and roasts. They are related but not identical in flavor.

What does summer savory taste like?
Peppery and thyme-like with a soft marjoram note, more mellow than most robust herbs. That gentleness is why it works so well with beans, eggs, and summer vegetables.

How do I use summer savory?
Stir it into bean and lentil pots, toss it through green beans, potato salad, or couscous, and fold it into egg dishes. Add it partway through cooking so the flavor spreads evenly.

Is summer savory good in bean dishes?
Yes. It is a classic partner for beans and green beans, adding a savory, peppery lift that rounds out their earthiness. European cooks have paired the two for generations.

Customer Reviews (4.8 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Nicholas ★★★★★

My dad’s old recipe for lima beans finally tastes the way I remember it—this herb’s peppery sweetness rounds out the dish without any of the sharp bite winter savory gives. A little pinch goes a long way, and it’s become my go-to for any warm-weather veggie plate.

Jacob K. ★★★★★

I always add a pinch to my grilled zucchini and tomato salad, and the peppery sweetness is exactly what it needed. It's lighter than winter savory, so it doesn't overpower the vegetables.

Steven H. ★★★★★

My green beans finally taste complete—this herb adds that bright, peppery finishwithout overpowering like winter savory does. A little sprinkle goes a long way, and the sweetness really comes through in a simple pot of white beans.