Pineapple Sage

Pineapple Sage

Down here in the South this plant seems to weather well over the winter coming back strong and healthy. This plant has a heavenly, fruity scent both in the leaves and the flowers. It goes well in fruit salads, in fruit smoothies and teas. Though it tastes best fresh, it dries well and holds much of its flavor for a great cup of winter tea. So today I went out into the rain and harvested a bunch to dry for later use and made myself a cool smoothy afterwards: the weather here being hot and humid! This is the third year I have gotten to enjoy this plant. Later on in the summer I plan to make some cuttings to grow a new generation.

 

Pineapple Sage Tea

(Spring or bottled water is used so as not to overpower the delicate pineapple flavor with any water-related aftertaste)

1 quart spring water

½ cup packed fresh pineapple sage leaves

3 T honey

1 lemon or lime

Bring water just to a boil and pour over the sage leaves. Stir in honey and lemon or lime juice to taste. Steep tea for approximately 20 minutes. Bring to a boil and then strain into mugs.

 

Banana Pineapple Sage Smoothie

¾ cup fruit flavored or vanilla non-fat yogurt

1 t honey

1 small banana

1/3 cup skim milk

1 T chopped pineapple sage

½ t ground cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.