Culinary Uses of Lovage
Lovage’s flavor is often compared to celery, with notes of parsley and a hint of anise, but stronger and more aromatic. Here are a few ways to use lovage in your kitchen:
- Soups and Stews: Add chopped lovage leaves to vegetable soups and stews to give them a fresh, bold flavor.
- Salads: The leaves can be used in salads, either raw or slightly wilted, adding a unique taste that elevates the dish.
- Flavor Enhancer: Lovage works wonderfully in broths and stocks, giving them a deep, umami flavor.
- Herbal Butter: Combine chopped lovage with softened butter for a delicious spread to use on bread or to melt over grilled vegetables.
- Pickling: The seeds can be used in pickling brines, adding a subtle, spiced flavor to preserved vegetables.
Medicinal Benefits of Lovage
Lovage has a long history of medicinal use. It was considered a remedy for various ailments, particularly in digestive health:
- Digestive Aid: The leaves and seeds contain essential oils that help stimulate digestion, relieve gas, and ease bloating.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Lovage has been used to treat arthritis and gout due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Diuretic: Lovage acts as a natural diuretic, helping reduce water retention and cleanse the kidneys. It was traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections.
- Respiratory Health: In herbal medicine, lovage was used to relieve symptoms of colds, flu, and bronchitis, thanks to its ability to thin mucus and promote respiratory health.
Growing Lovage in Your Garden
Lovage is a perennial plant that can reach up to 6 feet tall, making it a striking addition to any garden. It prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil and is hardy in most climates. Here’s how to grow lovage successfully:
- Planting: Lovage can be grown from seeds or root divisions. Start seeds indoors in early spring or sow them directly in the garden once the soil has warmed. Transplant seedlings when they are strong enough, spacing them about 2 feet apart.
- Care: Lovage is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular watering and the occasional addition of compost or organic fertilizer. It thrives in cool climates but may need some protection from extreme heat.
- Harvesting: You can start harvesting leaves in the first year as soon as the plant is well-established. Roots can be harvested in the fall of the second or third year. Lovage will die back in winter but reemerge each spring.
Conclusion
Lovage is a forgotten herb that deserves renewed attention. Its unique flavor and medicinal properties make it a valuable addition to any herb garden. Whether you’re looking to spice up your cooking or tap into ancient herbal remedies, lovage offers a versatile solution. By growing this underappreciated herb in your garden, you’ll have a rich source of flavor and health benefits that will keep giving year after year.
