If you are looking to buy sage for your next meal, you should know exactly where to find it. Your local grocery store, fresh farmer’s market, or wholesale website might be the best option for you. Find out more in this year-long sage grocery shopping guide.
Fresh sage is not always easy to find, nor is it always what you may be looking for; in this guide, you will find the best ways to get the freshest sage and all of your best sage buying options this year.
Where is Sage Grown?
Where does all the sage at the grocery store even come from? If you want to learn the true origin of sage, you may be interested to know that this perennial shrub originates from the Mediterranean region of the globe.
Other types of sage, such as white sage, are also native to parts of the United States and Mexico.
Sage loves dry, arid areas. In the U.S., sage is mostly grown in the Southwestern region of the country, specifically Southern California. Sage is easy to grow and is easily distributed around the nation.
Also Read: How to buy Thyme (Fresh and Dried)
What Kinds of Sage Can you Find at the Grocery Store?
There are different forms of sage that may help you figure out what kind of sage to buy at the grocery store. They each have their uses. Let’s take a look:
- Dried sage. This refers to the sage leaf that has been dried before you buy it. This helps give it its aromatic effect and you can add it to any meal for added flavor.
- Rubbed sage. When two dried whole sage leaves are rubbed together, they create a fluffy powdery mix. This is known as rubbed sage and it can be used as powerful bursts of flavor in any savory meal.
- Ground sage. When the whole leaf is ground into a fine powder, you can find it in ground sage form. This type of sage is usually found among other spices and herbs in the grocery store.
Different recipes calf or different types of sage to provide rich flavors to your meat or vegetable dishes. See what is available at your local store or what will work best with the food you are planning to make.
Also Read: 5 Savory Herbs with Healing Powers
How Much Does Sage Cost?
Sage is easily grown and distributed, but that doesn’t mean it is always affordable. You shouldn’t be spending too much on sage, but there are ways to save as much money as possible while still getting the freshest products.
Here are some ways to get the best-quality sage for a good price next time you visit the store:
1. Find the Best Season
One of the greatest things about sage is that it grows all year round! Sage is an evergreen perennial, meaning it can grow in many conditions and at all times of the year. You should be able to get a good price no matter where you look.
2. Go with Alternatives
If it is too difficult to find fresh sage leaves at your local grocery store, you can go with plenty of dried sage options. Or, you can look online for fresh sage leaves.
Where to Buy Sage: In-Person or Online Options
Whether you have access to a fresh market near your home or you have to go online for your farm-fresh options, there are plenty of ways that you can get sage. The most common way is to go to your local grocery store or chain market. You can find sage leaves, dried or fresh sage, and other herbal options for spicing up your meals.
You can also try:
- Farmer’s market. Your local area may have a farmer’s market on the weekends, where locals sell their freshly grown produce. You can get your hands on some real sage here!
- Online. Websites like Amazon and wholesale bulk food resellers always have fresh or dried sage leaves available for purchase.
The last thing you should know before you buy sage at the store is what qualities you should be looking for in fresh, healthy sage leaves.
Buying the Right Kind of Sage
When looking for fresh sage, make sure it has the following:
- Green color. Fresh sage has a muted but dark green color.
- Rich smell. Sage has an unmistakable aroma, and the more it smells, the fresher it is.
Bad sage is just as easily noticeable as fresh sage. Here are some things you must avoid when looking for sage:
- Dark or brown color. As sage gets spoiled, it turns brown and lifeless.
- Pungent smell. The smell will turn from something good to something putrid, and this off smell is an indication that the sage has gone bad.
Always check with your sellers about the quality of your sage before you purchase it. Thankfully, sage can last a long time once you buy it. If you plan on freezing it, you can keep it in the freezer for up to 6 months before it starts to get stale.
Final Notes
Make sure you read every section of this guide before you buy sage. Whether you plan on going to your local grocery store, your farmer’s market, or an online wholesale store, it is important that you know what to look for in healthy and fresh sage.
Dried sage leaves can be broken down into a fine powder or crushed whole in your meals. This is a healthy, delicious, and rich herb that can add a burst of flavor to any dish.
Sage is available in all seasons, so you can always rely on this dry leaf to provide you with plenty of flavors no matter what. Go to the store and see what sage options are available to you today!
You can buy fresh sage leaves at your local grocery store, farmer’s market, or specialty food store. Dried sage leaves can be found in the spice section of most grocery stores.
