How to Grow and Use Lovage

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a lesser-known herb with a robust flavor reminiscent of celery and parsley. Despite its relative obscurity, lovage is a valuable addition to any herb garden, offering culinary versatility and medicinal benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to grow and use lovage, from planting seeds to incorporating its flavorful leaves and stems into your favorite dishes.

Growing Lovage:

1. Planting: Start lovage from seeds or purchase young plants from a nursery. Choose a location in your garden that receives partial sun to full sun and has well-drained soil. Lovage can grow quite tall, so ensure there’s enough space between plants, ideally 2-3 feet apart.
2. Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by amending it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Lovage prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
3. Planting Seeds: Sow lovage seeds directly into the garden in early spring after the last frost date. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 2-3 weeks.
4. Care and Maintenance: Once established, lovage is relatively low-maintenance. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and provide adequate airflow around the plants to prevent fungal diseases. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Harvesting: Harvest lovage leaves and stems as needed throughout the growing season. Snip off individual stems or cut entire stalks near the base of the plant. Lovage leaves are most flavorful when harvested before the plant flowers, typically in late spring or early summer.

Using Lovage in the Kitchen:

1. Culinary Applications: Lovage adds a distinctive flavor to a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and sauces. Use fresh lovage leaves as a flavorful substitute for celery or parsley in recipes. Chop the leaves finely and add them to potato dishes, pasta sauces, or omelets for a burst of flavor.
2. Herbal Butter: Blend chopped lovage leaves with softened butter to create a fragrant and flavorful herb butter. Spread it on bread, melt it over steamed vegetables, or use it to season grilled meats and seafood.
3. Infused Vinegar or Oil: Infuse vinegar or oil with lovage leaves to create aromatic condiments for dressings, marinades, and dipping sauces. Simply add fresh lovage leaves to a bottle of vinegar or oil and let them steep for several weeks to impart their flavor.
4. Herbal Tea: Brew a refreshing herbal tea using fresh or dried lovage leaves. Steep a handful of leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then strain and enjoy. Lovage tea has a mild, celery-like flavor and is believed to have digestive and diuretic properties.
5. Preserving Lovage: Preserve excess lovage by drying the leaves and storing them in an airtight container for later use. Alternatively, freeze chopped lovage leaves in ice cube trays filled with water or oil for convenient portioning in recipes.

Conclusion: Lovage is a versatile and flavorful herb that deserves a place in every kitchen garden. With its celery-like taste and aroma, lovage adds depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, from soups and salads to sauces and teas. By following these tips for growing and using lovage, you’ll discover a new culinary favorite that enhances the flavor and enjoyment of your home-cooked meals.