My Favorite Fall Herb: Pineapple Sage

Actually, pineapple sage is one of my favorite herbs all your around but in the fall she shows her beautiful fall display (Along with many other breathtaking displays that nature has to offer!)  


Pineapple sage is a fragrant flowering plant native to Mexico and Guatemala where it grows naturally, in the forests of oaks & pine trees.  Here in most Appalachians, it is only an annual plant because it can not tolerate the cold.


The leaves are bright green and fuzzy and this late time of year the plant blooms a beautiful red fragrant flower.  Hummingbrids love this flower but are leaving our Appalachians by the time they start blooming.


Pineapple sage is edible.  Bruising or tearing the leaves releases a sweet pineapple flavor that is refreshing when added to teas, salads, pesto chicken or desserts.  

Would you care for a cup of tea?:
Add equal parts of fresh pineapple sage leaves & lemon verbena to a large glass jar.  Fill with water.  Set the jar in the sun and brew yourself a natural & refreshing glass of tea.

Pineapple sage is also used extensively in Mexican traditional medicine, especially for the treatment of anxiety or lowering blood pressure.


If you don't have any pineapple sage this year, don't worry!  Make a note to plant it in your herb garden next year.  Until then you can pick up fresh pineapple sage in specialty stores.


You can also check out Pineapple Sage Pound Cake at www.henriettesherbal.com  It sounds delicious!