Sage+

What is Young Living's Sage+

Sage+ is a culinary-grade essential oil from Young Living, meticulously steam-distilled from the leaves of Salvia officinalis, an aromatic plant revered since ancient times for its culinary and traditional uses. Specifically designed for internal use, Sage+ brings the concentrated essence and distinctive flavor profile of fresh sage directly to your kitchen, elevating your culinary creations with a unique aromatic depth. Its 'Plus' designation indicates its suitability for ingestion, ensuring that every drop meets the quality and purity standards necessary to be part of your gastronomic experience.

Botanical Origin and Extraction

Sage+ essential oil is derived from the Salvia officinalis plant, commonly known as sage, a perennial shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to the Mediterranean region, sage has been cultivated and used for centuries across various cultures for its aromatic leaves. The extraction process for Sage+ involves careful steam distillation of the plant's leaves and flowering tops. This gentle and precise method ensures the extraction of volatile compounds responsible for sage's character and aroma, resulting in a pure and potent essential oil that concentrates the plant's essence in every bottle.

Key Chemical Composition

Sage's aromatic richness and properties are due to its complex chemical composition. The main components of Sage+ essential oil typically include:

• Thujone: A monoterpene ketone that contributes to sage's characteristic aroma.
• Camphor: A monoterpene ketone known for its fresh, pungent aroma.
• 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): An oxide that provides fresh, camphorous notes.
• Caryophyllene: A sesquiterpene that adds spicy and woody nuances.

This combination of compounds creates a robust and herbaceous flavor profile, with earthy, slightly bitter, and camphorous notes, which are highly valued in gastronomy.

Aromatic and Culinary Profile

Sage+ is distinguished by an intense and characteristic aroma and flavor:

• Aroma: Herbal, earthy, camphorous, slightly sweet, and smoky. It evokes the scents of dry Mediterranean herbs and the countryside.
• Flavor: Warm, earthy, slightly spicy and astringent, with resinous notes and a cleansing finish on the palate. It is a flavor that adds body and complexity to savory dishes.

This profile makes it an exceptional culinary ingredient, capable of transforming a simple recipe into a gourmet experience. Its potency requires moderation in use so as not to overwhelm other flavors.

Suggested Culinary Uses

Sage+ is a versatile companion in the kitchen, ideal for enhancing a wide variety of preparations:

• Meats and Poultry: Excellent for seasoning roasted pork, lamb, chicken, or turkey. It pairs wonderfully with poultry stuffing.
• Roasted Vegetables and Stews: Adds depth to roasted potatoes, squash, carrots, or legume and vegetable stews.
• Sauces and Marinades: A touch of Sage+ can enhance creamy pasta sauces, meat marinades, or emulsions.
• Savory Baking: Incorporate a drop into bread doughs, focaccia, empanadas, or savory crackers for an unmistakable herbal flavor.
• Soups and Broths: Adds complexity to pumpkin soups, lentil soups, or vegetable broths.
• Festive Dishes: It is a star ingredient in Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other celebratory cuisines, especially in stuffings and dressings.

Culinary Usage Instructions

Given that Sage+ is a highly concentrated essential oil, its use requires caution and moderation:

• Dilution: It is recommended to dilute one drop of Sage+ in 4 fl oz (120 ml) of liquid (olive oil, broth, honey, etc.) or mix it with wet ingredients like yogurt or puree before adding it to your dish.
• Start with Less: It is always best to start with a very small amount, such as a toothpick dipped in the essential oil and stirred into the preparation, and adjust to taste.
• Add at the End: To preserve its delicate aromatic compounds, it is preferable to add Sage+ towards the end of the cooking process, especially in hot dishes, or just before serving.
• Not Directly to Heat: Avoid applying direct and prolonged heat to the essential oil to maintain its integrity.

Culinary Synergies

Sage+ harmonizes well with other culinary essential oils and spices, allowing for creative combinations:

• With Rosemary+: To enhance the profile of roasted meats and Mediterranean vegetables.
• With Thyme+: Provides a balanced herbal and pungent complement, ideal for stews and marinades.
• With Black Pepper+: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the earthiness of sage.
• With Honey and Citrus: For an interesting contrast in dressings or glazes.

Precautions

Although Sage+ is formulated for internal use, it is essential to observe the following precautions:

• Dose: Use with extreme moderation due to its high concentration. One drop is often sufficient for a recipe. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, as some components of sage may be a concern.
• Medical Conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, especially seizure disorders or high blood pressure, or are taking medication, consult your doctor before use.
• Children: Keep out of reach of children. Essential oils are very concentrated and are not suitable for direct ingestion by young children.
• Avoid Direct Contact: Avoid direct contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, with the container tightly closed.