A Flavor Profile Like Celery on Steroids
Often referred to as 'celery on steroids,' lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a striking herb that can grow over six feet tall in the right conditions. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, its use dates back to ancient Roman and medieval times. Every part of the lovage plant is edible and can be harvested, including the leaves, stems, seeds, and even the roots.
Culinary Applications of Lovage
Due to its intense flavor, lovage should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering a dish. The leaves are the most commonly used part, offering a savory, rich, and slightly sweet taste.
- Soups and Stews: A few chopped fresh or dried leaves can add depth and a vibrant, concentrated celery flavor to stocks, broths, and hearty soups, particularly those with chicken, pork, or potatoes.
- Salads and Garnishes: Younger, tender leaves can be finely chopped and added to fresh salads to provide a powerful, aromatic kick.
- Stocks and Sauces: The leaves and stems are an excellent addition to a bouquet garni, flavoring homemade stocks, sauces, and marinades.
- Potato Dishes: The herb pairs exceptionally well with potatoes. Add a few leaves to the water when boiling new potatoes for a savory twist.
- Herbal Drinks: The hollow stems can be used as unique, aromatic straws for drinks like Bloody Marys. The stalks can also be candied, similar to angelica.
- Seeds: The seeds, which have a strong flavor similar to celery seeds, can be used in baking bread, pickling brines, and making spice rubs.
- Roots: The roots can be peeled, cooked, and used as a root vegetable or added to stocks for a deeply earthy base.
Traditional Medicinal Uses and Precautions
For centuries, lovage has been used in folk medicine across Europe for various ailments, though much of the evidence supporting these claims is insufficient or based on traditional use rather than clinical trials.
- Digestive Aid: Traditionally, lovage was used as a carminative to relieve gas, flatulence, and indigestion. The antispasmodic properties of its volatile oils were believed to soothe cramps.
- Diuretic Properties: The herb has long been noted for its aquaretic (diuretic) properties, increasing urination without causing electrolyte loss. This led to its use for flushing the urinary system and managing conditions like water retention and kidney stones.
- Anti-inflammatory and Antiseptic: Lovage has been used to reduce inflammation, alleviate joint pain, and applied topically as an antiseptic for skin issues.
- Respiratory Support: Some traditions used lovage as an expectorant to help clear mucus from the respiratory system.
Important Precautions: It is crucial to note that lovage should be used with caution, particularly when used for medicinal purposes. Pregnant women should avoid it, as it may cause uterine contractions. Individuals with kidney problems should also not use lovage due to its diuretic effects. High doses can also increase photosensitivity, making skin more susceptible to sunburns.
Growing and Harvesting Lovage
Lovage is a robust, low-maintenance perennial that can be a highly productive addition to a garden.
- Planting: Lovage can be started from seed indoors in the spring or purchased as young plants. It prefers a location with full sun or partial shade and rich, moist, well-draining soil.
- Size and Space: Given its height and spread, it needs ample space in the garden, often growing up to two meters tall.
- Harvesting: Harvest tender young leaves regularly throughout the growing season to encourage new growth. The leaves become more bitter after the plant flowers, so it's best to prune flower stalks unless you are collecting seeds. Seeds can be collected once the flower heads dry and turn brown. Roots should be harvested from established plants in the autumn.
Lovage vs. Celery: A Flavor Comparison
| Feature | Lovage | Celery |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Intense, savory, rich; like a stronger, sweeter, and more aromatic version of celery with a hint of parsley and anise. | Milder, more watery, and slightly bitter with a distinct clean, earthy taste. |
| Intensity | Very potent; a small amount is enough to flavor an entire dish. | Less intense, often requiring larger quantities to achieve a prominent flavor. |
| Parts Used | Leaves, stems, seeds, and roots are all edible and used. | Stalks are most commonly eaten, while leaves and seeds are used for flavoring. |
| Texture | Leaves are delicate and resemble large parsley leaves, while stalks are hollow. | Stalks are crisp and fibrous, a key component in dishes like mirepoix. |
| Uses | Concentrated flavor for soups, stews, sauces, and potato dishes. | A foundational vegetable for aromatics, salads, and snacks. |
A Versatile Herb for Kitchen and Garden
Lovage is a powerful, yet often overlooked, ingredient that can transform a dish with its potent flavor. Whether you use the leaves for soups, the stalks for drinks, or the seeds for baking, it provides a unique taste that stands out. Its historical use in folk medicine highlights its versatility, but it's important to be mindful of its strength and certain contraindications. For those looking to elevate their cooking, growing this easy-to-care-for perennial can provide a rewarding and flavorful harvest for years to come.
Conclusion: A Powerful, Underappreciated Herb
Lovage is far more than just a passing acquaintance of celery. Its intense flavor profile makes it a potent culinary asset, capable of adding a deep, savory richness to a wide variety of dishes, from slow-cooked soups to vibrant salads. Beyond the kitchen, its traditional use as a digestive aid and diuretic has a long history, though modern users must be aware of potential side effects and contraindications, especially concerning kidney issues and pregnancy. For the adventurous home cook and gardener, cultivating lovage offers a rewarding and endlessly versatile herb that deserves a place in the spotlight. Lovage information from Drugs.com
