Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb prized not only for its leaves and roots but also for its aromatic seeds. The seeds offer an intense, celery-like flavor with notes of parsley and a subtle hint of anise, making them a powerful and versatile spice in the kitchen. Beyond their culinary appeal, these seeds also serve the vital purpose of propagating new lovage plants, making them a double-duty harvest for gardeners. From enhancing baked goods to infusing spirits, and from seasoning hearty stews to starting a new crop, the humble lovage seed is full of potential.
Culinary Applications for Lovage Seeds
Flavoring Baked Goods and Spice Mixes
Lovage seeds can be used whole or ground to add a rich, earthy, and distinctly celery-like note to baked goods. They are an excellent addition to savory breads, crackers, and rolls. For an alternative to store-bought celery salt, you can grind dried lovage seeds with coarse salt. A little goes a long way due to their concentrated flavor, so use them sparingly in your spice blends for roasted meats, vegetables, or popcorn. Historically, the seeds have been used in baked goods throughout Europe, including in some Eastern European traditions.
Enhancing Soups and Stews
One of the most effective ways to utilize lovage seeds is to add them to slow-simmering dishes like broths, soups, and stews. Their robust flavor holds up well during long cooking times, infusing the entire dish with a deep, savory essence. Try crushing the seeds lightly before adding them to your next chicken or vegetable broth for an extra layer of complexity. Eastern European cuisine, in particular, frequently features lovage for its ability to add a meaty, full-bodied flavor to soups.
Crafting Pickles, Dressings, and Infusions
The warm, earthy flavor of lovage seeds makes them a perfect addition to pickling spices for vegetables. They can be added whole to pickling brines alongside other spices like dill and mustard seed. Beyond pickles, they can also be used to create flavorful infused oils or vinegars for salad dressings. For a more spirited endeavor, the seeds can be crushed and infused into vodka or other clear liquors, creating unique and stimulating cordials and cocktails.
Culinary Uses Summary:
- Seasoning: Grind into spice blends for meats and vegetables.
- Baking: Add whole or crushed to savory breads and crackers.
- Pickling: Include in pickling brines for a potent celery flavor.
- Infusing: Crush and infuse into vinegar or spirits.
- Soups and Stews: Simmer whole or crushed seeds in broths.
- Dressings: Use infused lovage vinegar for a unique flavor profile.
Propagating New Lovage Plants
Harvesting and Storing Lovage Seeds
To harvest lovage seeds, you must wait until late summer or early autumn, after the plant has flowered and the seed heads have turned brown and dried. Carefully cut the seed heads from the plant, leaving a few inches of stem. Place the entire seed head cluster upside down in a paper bag in a warm, dry, and airy location. After a week or two, shake the bag vigorously to release the dried seeds from the seed heads. To ensure they are fully dry for long-term storage, you can lay them out on a kitchen towel for a few days. Store the thoroughly dried seeds in an airtight container, such as a labeled glass jar or paper envelope, in a cool, dark, and dry spot. Properly stored seeds can remain viable for several years.
Sowing Seeds for New Growth
Growing lovage from seed is a straightforward process, though it benefits from some preparation. Lovage seeds have a long germination period and can benefit from cold stratification to improve germination rates. This can be achieved by placing the seeds on a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag and storing them in the refrigerator for two weeks. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or sow them directly outdoors in spring in a sunny or lightly shaded location. Ensure the soil is fertile and well-draining, and that the seeds are covered with a light layer of soil. Be patient, as germination can take a couple of weeks.
Lovage Seeds for Wellness and Herbalism
Historically, lovage seeds have been used medicinally for various ailments, particularly for their digestive and diuretic properties. Chewing the seeds was a common practice to aid digestion, relieve gas, and alleviate bloating. The seeds contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to overall health. A tea made from lovage seeds has been traditionally used to help reduce water retention and support the respiratory system.
Cautionary Note: It is extremely important to consult a healthcare provider before using lovage medicinally, especially in larger quantities. WebMD and other health sources caution that lovage is considered potentially unsafe during pregnancy, as it might stimulate uterine contractions. It is also not recommended for those with kidney problems due to its diuretic effects. When used in food amounts, it is generally considered safe for most people.
Comparison Table: Lovage Seeds vs. Celery Seeds
| Feature | Lovage Seeds | Celery Seeds |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Levisticum officinale | Apium graveolens or Lovage/Wild Celery |
| Flavor Profile | Intense celery flavor with notes of anise and parsley | Classic, strong celery flavor |
| Intensity | Very potent and strong; use sparingly | Pungent but generally less intense than lovage seeds |
| Appearance | Small, brown, oval seeds, similar to fennel seeds | Small, brown, elongated seeds |
| Cultivation | Perennial, often growing quite large | Typically grown as an annual or biennial |
| Common Uses | Baking, stews, liqueurs, pickles | Pickles, coleslaw, salads, spice rubs |
| Availability | Less common commercially; typically grown at home | Readily available in most spice aisles |
Conclusion
Lovage seeds are a powerful, multi-purpose ingredient with deep roots in culinary and herbal traditions. Whether you are using their intense celery and anise flavor to elevate your cooking, embarking on the rewarding process of growing new plants, or exploring their historical medicinal applications with proper caution, lovage seeds offer a unique and flavorful experience. By harvesting, storing, and utilizing them effectively, you can unlock a new world of taste and expand your garden's potential. They are a testament to the fact that even the smallest parts of a plant can deliver a significant punch of character. So, the next time you see the delicate, umbel-shaped flowers of a lovage plant, remember that the delicious seeds they bear are well worth the wait. For more information on growing lovage, visit the Royal Horticultural Society's guide at the following link: RHS Herbs.
