Since Naxos has fresh water, it is a quite green island and this means it has lots of different plants.
We will refer mostly to the wild fresh herbs you can find in the island and the first one is sage (salvia officinalis), that is known for being used in medicine but also cooking. You can cook savory dishes, sweets, you can drink it alone or in cocktails and you can make oil or vinegar with it. You can even use it as a room freshener.
According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Adults can consume up to 3 cups of this medicinal tea each day.
The name comes from latin “salvere” due to its medical identity. It was used from ancient greeks and romans to prevent or cure medical conditions.
There are at least 20 subspecies that are native to the Mediterranean region.
You will find dried sage in our house in Apollon, that was handpicked by Yannis and dried by Stella and everything took place in Naxos Mountains. Use it to cook delicious dishes! We give you some ideas below.
In greek it is pronounced fahs-KOH-mee-lo.
Recipes
Pasta With Butter, Sage And Parmesan
Pasta with Pancetta, Shallots and Sage
Butternut Squash Steaks with Brown Butter–Sage Sauce (vegeterian)
Milk-Braised Pork With Lemon and Sage
Low-Fuss Crispy Roast Chicken
Drinks
You can prepare a tea adding in a cup 1-2 teaspoons of leaves of sage and then a cup of boiling water. Let the leaves inside for 10 min and then remove.
Champagne Punch with Ginger, Lemon, and Sage
Sage Simple Syrup
Sage Gin Martini
https://www.gastronomblog.com/2016/03/13/sage-simple-syrup/
https://www.gastronomblog.com/2016/03/13/sage-simple-syrup/
https://www.gastronomblog.com/2016/03/13/sage-simple-syrup/
https://www.gastronomblog.com/2016/03/13/sage-simple-syrup/
https://www.gastronomblog.com/2016/03/13/sage-simple-syrup/
https://www.gastronomblog.com/2016/03/13/sage-simple-syrup/
Desserts
Marbled Lemon Tart with Sage-Cornmeal Crust
Sage-Scented Shortbread
Sources:
http://oreanthi.com/greekherbsgr/1/4/elliniko-faskomilo https://enallaktikidrasi.com/2016/04/faskomilo-idiotites-xrisi/ http://mag.politismosmuseum.org/sage-advice-drink-faskomilo/ https://www.thespruceeats.com/sage-in-greek-food-1705862 https://www.eirinika.gr/article/192170/faskomilo-elliniko-tsai-me-ta-ploysia-ofeli-stin-sosti-dosi-san-kannavis-se https://www.livestrong.com/article/412875-how-much-sage-tea-to-drink/
Yannis and Stella @Apollon, Naxos 