Sage

About

Sage is a strong herb with a camphorous, eucalyptus-like flavor that some find too bitter or medicinal. Fresh sage has lighter, lemony notes that are lost on drying, which instead brings out a stronger, musty, hay-like character. Both fresh and dried sage pair particularly well with dense, sweet-savory foods such as butternut squash, white beans, cooked onions, pork, and chicken.

Pairs well with sage

• SuEggA Turkish-inspired dish popularized by chef Neil Perry pairs poached egg with garlicky yogurt and sage leaves fried crisp in butter until…
• FrAppleSage is strong and assertive enough that apple doesn't really lighten it, the combination stays deep and savory rather than fresh, but it…
• MePorkSage's assertive flavor is traditionally paired with goose and duck in English cooking, especially sage-and-onion stuffing, but it's now…
• MeChickenSage, often paired with onion in stuffing, complements chicken's savory quality, though it suits fattier, gamier birds like goose and…
• BrBaconPancetta or bacon, sage and leek combine well in a baked risotto: lardoons and onion are softened, risotto rice is toasted and deglazed…
• ChHard CheeseSage Derby, a pressed cow's-milk cheese studded with chopped sage, is milder and more delicate than plain Cheddar.
• SuOnionSage and onion is a classic stuffing pairing, sweet, herbal and earthy.
• FrPineapplePineapple sage (Salvia elegans) is a fragrant herb used in drinks and fruit salads, with a flavor often compared to pineapple or piña…
• BrAnchovyAnchovy and sage are sometimes called 'the fisherman's truffle' (il tartufo di pescatore) in Italy.
• ChBlue CheeseSalty-sweet blue cheese pairs well with sage's bitterness.
• BrProsciuttoSalty prosciutto brings out sage's more playful side.
• WoButternut SquashRaw butternut squash is bland and starchy, but cooking sweetens it, and sage's assertive, savory flavor gives it a richer, almost meaty…
• MeLiverLiver and sage is a well-established pairing: liver draws out sage's fresh pine and cedar notes, while the two share a faintly savory,…