Lovage, a Mediterranean Native Similar to Celery

Natural History and Cultivation

Lovage (known scientifically as Levisticum officinale) is a member of the celery family. It originated in the Mediterranean but grows easily in many parts of the world from cuttings. It is a perennial, about 3 ft. in height, and likes a fairly moist soil. Its leaves are very decorative and it makes a pretty addition to the garden. The leaves and seeds are the parts of the plants that are most used.

Character

Lovage has a rich, penetrating flavor that falls somewhere between celery and angelica. It is warm and aromatic and is valuable in soothing and aiding the digestion. Culpeper described it as an \"herb of the Sun, under the sign Taurus. It opens, cures, and digests humors and provokes women\'s courses and urine.\"

It is one of the old English sweet herbs that is used just as much in cooking as it is in medicine. A lovage cordial was once popular and steeped lovage leaves has been recommended in herbal medicine as a tisane for nursing mothers. The leaves and stems can be added to baths and the essential oil is occasionally used in scent making.

How to Use It

This is a strong, vigorous herb and should be used with appropriate tact. It is rather like the Continental \"Maggi\" flavoring and the leaves and seeds can be similarly used (dried or fresh) in soups, stews and gravies.

It is at its best when blended with the stronger-tasting meats and game, but it can be used with fish, in a cream sauce, when a dominant flavor is not out of place. Use the leaves, fresh preferably, in salads, mayonnaise or with sauerkraut. The whole plant can be cooked and eaten with butter or in a sauce, like celery.

Lovage Tea is recommended for its restful and invigorating qualities. Use about 1 teaspoonful of leaves to each cup. Pour on boiling water and let steep for five minutes before straining. This can be drunk as a savory with salt or as a tisane, sweetened with honey or sugar. The shoots of lovage can be candied and used in much the same way as candied angelica

How to Buy It

The dried leaves are included in most ranges of dried herbs and can usually be bought from supermarkets or health stores. It is not usually sold fresh.

It is one of the old English sweet herbs that is used just as much in cooking as it is in medicine. A lovage cordial was once popular and steeped lovage leaves has been recommended in herbal medicine as a tisane for nursing mothers.