St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an aromatic herb with distinctive yellow flowers, used for centuries in both folk medicine and cooking. In the kitchen, it is primarily used as a flavoring ingredient in herbal teas, liqueurs, syrups, and oil macerations. St. John's Wort oil, prepared by macerating the flowers in sunflower or olive oil, takes on a characteristic deep red color and is used as an aromatic component in salad dressings and marinades. The flavor is slightly bitter, resinous, and aromatic. The herb is prized for its bioactive compounds, especially hypericin and hyperforin.