In the Old Testament, eating is used as a metaphor for learning when Adam and Eve taste the fruit of the forbidden tree of knowledge and become aware of alarming new facts—they realize, for example, that they are naked, a condition so distressing that they make themselves clothes. The same association of eating and knowledge is evident in the origin of the word savoury, a word that English uses to describe dishes flavoured with herbs and spices rather than sweetening agents. In origin, savoury derives from the Latin word sapere, meaning both to taste and to know, similarly, the English word taste can also refer to food (“That was a tasty dinner”) or to knowledge (“She has good taste”)- In Latin, the two senses of sapere allowed the word to split into distinct pairs of words as it evolved through other languages. In French, for example, the taste sense of sapere evolved into the Old French savor, meaning flavour (from which English derived savour in the thirteenth century), while the know sense of sapere evolved into the Old French savoir, meaning to know (as in savoir-faire, meaning know-how). Other words deriving from sapere—and which are therefore cousins of savoury—include sage (as in sage advice, advice that is wise), savvy (which originated as a West African corruption of the Spanish word saber, meaning to know), and sapiens (as in homo sapiens, meaning thinking man, a creature now threatened with extinction by homo negotians, business man).
A concluding morsel to a repast, usually presented just prior to the serving of coffee; it may include sautéed mushrooms, cheese, or a small slice of paté on a square-shaped piece of toast.
In the realm of British cuisine, the term “savory” encompasses three distinct types of food. Firstly, it refers to delightful finger foods or tidbits enjoyed alongside cocktails, commonly known as cocktail savories. These bite-sized treats add a savory touch to social gatherings. Secondly, “savory” denotes a highly seasoned dish, often served hot, which traditionally followed the sweet course and preceded dessert during formal dinners. This course offers a flavorful transition before indulging in the final sweet delights. Lastly, “savory” also encompasses more substantial dishes that can serve as the main course for a simple lunch, high tea, supper, or a satisfying snack meal. These dishes cater to various occasions and provide substantial sustenance. Embrace the versatility of savory cuisine as it enriches your dining experiences across a range of settings.