There are many species of sage, but in the eastern Mediterranean Basin, Salvia fruticosa, also known as Cretan sage or Greek sage, predominates as a wildflower. It has been known since antiquity and appears on a Minoan fresco in the palace of Knossos, dating from around 1400 BC.
Just like the Salvia officinalis species widely cultivated in Central Europe, Cretan sage also has many uses: in tisanes, as a medicine, or in cooking.
Cretan sage honey crystallizes coarsely, relatively quickly. As it crystallizes, its colour gets darker. It is a fragrant honey with a floral aroma and a very pleasant, slightly minty taste. It is a much rarer type than other Mediterranean honeys.