Sage

The genus, Salvia is the largest in the mint (Labitae), family with over 800 species represented. Salvia derives from the Latin salvere (“to save”), referring to the long-held belief in the herb’s healing properties. Pliny the Elder was the first author known to describe a plant called “Salvia” by the Romans. It has ben used widely as a culinary herb and medicinal plant for a long list of functions. The plant has trichomes or hair like structures on the undersides of the leaves that when broken release stores of volatile oils which impart characteristic flavor and properties. Sage was officially listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1840 to 1900.