Clary, Clary Sage, Cleareye, Muscatel sage
Salvia sclarea

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A plant with a two year life cycle. It grows to 1 m high and spreads to 1 m across. The stem is erect and square in cross section. It is brown and has few branches. The leaves are velvety and without leaf stalks. They occur in pairs. They are oblong, heart shaped and wrinkled with irregular margins. The flowers are pale blue or white. They occur in loose clusters at the ends of branches.

There are about 900 Salvia species. It has anticancer properties.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. A native of Europe and Syria. It prefers light well drained soil. It does best in an open sunny position. It is drought and frost resistant. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. In Hobart Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Armenia, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, Europe, France, Greece, Himalayas, India, Iran, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Nepal, North America, Pakistan, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Uzbekistan

How it is used for food

The leaves have a sweet smell and are used fresh or dried. The are used to flavour jams, jellies and wine. It has a role similar to sage in cooking. They can be dipped in cream and fried and eaten with sugar and orange sauce. They are also dipped in egg batter and fried as fritters. The leaves are used for sarma in Turkey. They are rolled around a filling of rice or minced meat. The flowering tops have a taste between sage and mint. They are added to tossed salads.

It is sold in local markets. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, herb, spice

How it is grown

It is grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Eghespak, Misk adacayi, Muškatna kadulja, Paskulak, Tuylu adacayi

Synonyms

Salvia asperata Falc. ex Benth.; Salvia pamirica Gand.;