Summer savory is an annual, herbaceous plant growing wild or cultivated in the mountain regions of Europe, the Mediterranean basin and some midwestern areas of the United States. It is an aromatic plant exhibiting a taproot, erect stalk, opposite leaves and white, red-dotted flowers (June to July) arranged in axillary clusters. The flowering tops are the parts used. Summer savory has an aromatic, thyme-like odor and flavor.
Composition
The volatile oil from dried summer savory contains carvacrol, thymol and monoterpene hydrocarbons (β-pinene, limonene, p-cymene, camphene).
