Lovage

Lovage  Levisticum officiale   

~ 200 seed per pack 

Germination rate 67% Packed for 2024  

DISCOUNTED 

Lovage is an herbaceous, perennial plant, with a deep flavor somewhere between parsley and celery. The leaves are great for flavoring soups and broths, and can also be added to salads. The seeds can be used as a spice also: add them to pickles or crushed in bread.

Lovage is believed to be native to the Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia. Ancient Greeks and Romans used it. Lovage plants are beautiful and will grow 3'-6' tall. It has a role not only as a trusted perennial herb that will always be there for you, but also fits nicely into decorative, landscaping (great for edible landscapers!).

Lovage is a tall herb that can reach heights of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters). It has dark green, glossy, compound leaves that resemble celery leaves but are larger and more deeply serrated. The plant produces small, yellow-green flowers in umbrella-like clusters during the summer.

The leaves, stems, and seeds of lovage have a strong, aromatic flavor that is reminiscent of celery and parsley, with a slightly peppery and anise-like undertone. The flavor is intense, so a little goes a long way.

Lovage is a versatile herb used in various culinary dishes. Its leaves and stems can be used fresh or dried to flavor soups, stews, sauces, and salads. It can also be used as a seasoning for roasted meats and vegetables. The seeds can be ground and used as a spice, similar to caraway or fennel seeds.

Historically, lovage has been used in traditional herbal medicine for its potential digestive and diuretic properties. It was also used as a remedy for various ailments, although modern scientific research on its medicinal benefits is limited.

Lovage is a hardy plant that prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be grown from seeds or by dividing established plants. Once established, lovage can be a prolific grower and may require some pruning to keep it from spreading too vigorously.

Lovage is believed to have pest-repelling properties and can be used as a companion plant in the garden to deter certain insects, such as aphids.

In summary, lovage is a distinctive herb with a strong flavor reminiscent of celery, parsley, and anise. It is used as a culinary herb to flavor a variety of dishes and has a history of use in traditional medicine. If you decide to grow lovage or use it in your cooking, remember to use it sparingly due to its intense flavor.