Lovage (Levisticum officinale) and its uses



Family: Umbelliferae
Common names: love parsley, sea parsley, lavose, liveche, smallage, European lovage, common lovage, Cornish lovage, English lovage, Italian lovage, maggi plant, old English lovage

Lovage is a hardy perennial herb, with ribbed stalks similar to celery, and hollow stems that divide into branches near the top. Yellow flowers are borne in compound umbels approx 30mm across, attracting beneficial predatory wasps. Leaves are dark green, opposite, compound, leaflets wedge shaped maybe toothed or ridged. Lovage has a strong taste and odour similar to celery and parsley. Roots have a nutty flavour. It is very robust and can grow as tall as 2 m and spread to form a clump several meters wide. Deer proof. Plan its location in the garden carefully, as it is difficult to move once it is established.

Propagation: by seed, which are slow to germinate (about 10-28 days), or by root division. Direct seeded crops should be planted early in the spring at a depth of 6 mm. Row spacing of 40 - 50 cm apart, 60 - 100 cm apart in row.
Soil Type: A well drained site rich in organic matter with a pH of 6 - 7.5 is preferred. It cannot tolerate heavy clay.
Cultivation: Lovage is winter hardy but mulching assists winter survival.
Harvest: Leaves are usually harvested twice a season, starting in the second year; stems are cut in spring; roots are dug in the fall of the third year and can be used fresh or dried. Seeds can be harvested in late fall when ripe and dried for use.

Culinary:
Leaves have sharp and spicy celery-flavour that can be used fresh in salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, potato dishes, squash, has been used to make tea and wine and as a breath freshener
Leafstalks can be eaten fresh or candied; hollow stems can be candied and used as straws in Bloody Marys;
Seeds can be used whole or ground in candy, cakes, meats, biscuits, sauces, cheeses, salad dressings, or pickled; dry lovage seeds make a great substitute for celery seed in cooking.

Dried root has been used as a condiment,
Grated fresh root can be cooked as a vegetable, used raw in salads, used to make tea, preserved in honey; essential oil used in condiments, icings, syrups, some liqueurs.
Medicinal: was been by in traditional medicine to reduce flatulence, dried leaves were used in an infusion for sore throats, fevers, an antiseptic mouthwash.
Aromatic: essential oil can be used to make a heavy spicy perfume
Other: as a closet freshener, deodorant or added to a bath.


Day +16 sun and cloud light showers .30mm Wind SSW11km/h P.O.P.0%
Night +7 mainly clear Wind NNW12km/h P.O.P.0%