Live woody stems can easily be mistaken for dead stems if they are pruned too early, so it is best to wait until some new growth emerges before starting.
Trim back half of the plant to ensure rejuvenation.
Sage leaves can be harvested as you need them throughout the year. [6] X Research source Separate dry, dead, or yellow leaves from the healthy leaves you plan to keep.
Be sure to use sharp scissor or pruners to avoid damaging or crushing the stems of the plant.
Remove any dead or damaged leaves that you see as you harvest the sage stems so that your kitchen herbs are as healthy as possible. You can store sage stems and pluck individual leaves as you need them. Sage stems can also be re-planted to propagate new growth.
Note that sage is a potent herb, so a small amount will add a lot of flavor to your dishes.
Once your sage leaves are dried, they can be crushed easily with your hands if you wish to store them that way. Dried sage is stronger in flavor than fresh sage, so use it conservatively to avoid over-seasoning your meals.
