Lovage

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is an herb that is easy to grow from either ready-grown plants or seeds. Here’s how you can grow lovage:

Growing Lovage from Seed:

1. Sow lovage seeds indoors in pots during spring or directly outdoors in autumn where the plants are intended to grow.
2. For spring sowings, use modular trays or small pots filled with moist, peat-free seed compost.
3. Cover the seeds with perlite and keep the temperature at around 15ºC.
4. Once the seedlings have germinated, thin them to one seedling per tray cell or pot.
5. Harden off the young plants by gradually acclimatizing them to the outdoor conditions before planting them out in early summer.

Lovage is an herb with a distinct taste and aroma, similar to a combination of celery and parsley, but with more intensity and spice. Here are some ways you can use different parts of the lovage plant:

1. Salads: The leaves of lovage can be used in salads to add a unique flavor. Their intense and spicy character can provide a refreshing twist to your salad recipes.
2. Soup and broths: Lovage leaves can be a fantastic addition to soups and broths, imparting their strong flavor. Whether it’s a vegetable soup or a hearty broth, lovage can enhance the overall taste profile.
3. Vegetable: The roots of lovage can be eaten as a vegetable. They can be cooked in various ways, such as roasting, boiling, or sautéing. Similar to the leaves, the lovage roots offer a robust and aromatic taste.
4. Grated in salads: The grated lovage roots can also be used in salads, adding a distinctive flavor and texture. Consider combining grated lovage roots with other salad ingredients to create a flavorful and exciting dish.
5. Spice: Lovage seeds can be used as a spice, similar to fennel seeds. These seeds have a warm and slightly bitter taste, which can enhance the flavor of various dishes. Crushed or ground lovage seeds can be used in spice blends, marinades, or pickling recipes.

Experimenting with the different parts of the lovage plant can bring an exciting culinary experience. From soups and salads to vegetable dishes, lovage offers a unique and intense flavor profile that can elevate your recipes. Enjoy exploring the diverse uses of this versatile herb in your cooking endeavors!