chagrinvalleyherbsociety Fun Facts
Growing
This hardy perennial grows 3-6’ tall with hollow stems and compound leaves. It is related to parsley, dill and angelica. The yellow flowers of lovage are arranged in umbels and grow on tall stems. Bees are attracted to the flowers, the larva of black swallowtail butterflies will feed on the leaves. Lovage grows best in full sun to partial shade, and in rich, moist and well-drained soil. Lovage grows in zones 4-8 so it can be grown in Ohio. Propagate by seed in spring or early autumn (preferably autumn when the seeds have just ripened) or by division in spring. Grow plants 12” apart. Shoots may be damaged by slugs.
Historical
Levisticum officinale is native to the Balkans and Mediterranean regions. Historical medicinal use of lovage dates back to early Greeks where they chewed the stems to relieve gas and indigestion, among other uses. Other historical medicinal uses of lovage included aiding digestion, treating nausea and curing jaundice, preventing kidney stones, as an antiseptic, healing boils and migraines. The Romans introduced lovage to most of Europe and Britain. As one might guess by the name, lovage has been used as an ingredient in love potions because it guaranteed lasting devotion. In Central Europe, ladies wore lovage around their necks when meeting lovers. The English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper noted that a tincture made from the leaves removed freckles or boiled into a tea to reduce redness or poor sight. The herb was also added to baths most likely as a deodorant. Colonial Americans brought lovage with them from England. It was consumed as a tea to cure aches and pains. Lovage was used as a salt substitute during World War I and II in many European countries.
Medicinal Uses
For educational purposes only, don’t try this at home… Lovage has high quercetin (just less than green tea and capers) and is valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Properties include carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic. It is most used for its diuretic properties for water retention and urinary difficulties and flatulence. In large doses, it can cause kidney problems and shouldn’t be taken medicinally by anyone with kidney disorders. Lovage promotes the onset of menstruation and shouldn’t be taken medicinally by pregnant women,
Culinary, Beauty and Dyes
The leaves and seeds of lovage are often used as a substitute for celery. The flavor has been described as celery-like, but stronger, with notes of parsley. Among the culinary uses, leaves are added to soups, stews, salads and chicken dishes. In certain countries, notably Great Britain, the leaves are used to make candy. Tanqueray Lovage Gin incorporates lovage in its flavor profile. Lovage simple syrup can be used in cocktails or mocktails to make a version of a gimlet, among others.
Tips:
- Add leaves to soups, stews, salads and chicken dishes.
- Crushed lovage leaves rubbed around the rim of a salad bowl will leave behind flavor for the salad that follows.
- Use the compound leaf as a garnish or stirrer for savory cocktails.
- For best flavor, use the leaves, stalks or stems fresh.
- To preserve, freeze leaves that have been blanched for 30 seconds, shocked in a cold water bath, and dried. Store in an airtight bag or container. Since one leaf with stem is often more than 2 feet long, it is advisable to cut small leaflets off the ribs before attempting to dry them.
- Lovage stems can be pickled.
- The roots of lovage that are at least 1 year old can be sliced or grated and used fresh or oven dried.
Recipes
Potato Salad with Lovage
2 pounds small red potatoes ¼ cup chopped fresh lovage
½ cup chopped chives (use blossoms too if available) ¼ cup dry white wine
1 green pepper, chopped finely ⅛ cup tarragon vinegar
½ cup salad oil
Wash and cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Cover potatoes with water and cook until tender. Drain potatoes and pour wine over them while still warm. Add green pepper, chives, celery and lovage, tossing lightly. In a small bowl, whisk together oil and vinegar. Pour over the potato mixture and toss.
Jo Sellers, HAS Potomac Unit The Herb Society of America’s Essential Guide to Growing and Cooking with Herbs edited by Katherine K. Schlosser
There were some other great recipes on The Herb Society of America’s website. You can find them at: Microsoft Word – Recipes Lovage 2023.docx (herbsociety.org). Other great recipes include: Herbal Garlic Soup, Lovage and Walnut Pesto, Lovage Soup. I think the pesto sounds really interesting. I’m curious to see how the delicate celery-like flavor of lovage replaces the more pungent basil.
