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Lovage
Levisticum officinale Apiaceae (celery family )
 We usually say that herbs like a fairly dry soil. For those who are looking
for a herb that will like the wet ground we have now, we have the answer. Lovage
is not a well- known herb but is one well worth getting acquainted with.
It is a tall striking plant growing from a long, thick taproot that sends out
hollow central stalks with many branches. The leaves are dark green, shiny and
deeply divided resembling overgrown celery. When dried, the leaves look and
smell like celery. Many people would be surprised to find that the taste of the
European flavour, Maggi, comes from the lovage plant.
Another surprise comes in watching this plant grow. The first year I grew
this plant it was like being in a Jack in the Beanstalk movie as it got higher
each day. I had no idea how high it would grow so did not harvest it until it
reached its full six feet. The seed heads that developed reminded me of giant
dill seed heads.
You may want to buy several plants as it is one of the few herbs that can be
used in so many ways. The tender new leaves and stalks can be added to spring
salads. The leaves with their celery taste can be added any time you don't have
celery in the fridge. Lovage rates with celery in the amount of sodium it
contains (2.3%) so can satisfy the desire for saltiness without added
salt.
Harvest the leaves while they are still dark green and lush and before they
flower. Dry flat on screens in a cool room until crisp then store in a jar for
winter use in soups and stews. If you let some of the stalks go to seed you will
have large umbrels with brown seeds. These seeds can be added to breads and
biscuits or the umbrels can be hung upside down for spectacular dried
arrangements. These tall ornamental plants add height and interest in a herb or
mixed border bed . They self- seed proving sufficient plants for future use or
to share with friends.
Maybe it's worth buying more than one plant after all to explore the many
uses of this versatile plant. Look for lovage plants at local nurseries or at
Tansy Lane Herb Farm at the Farmers' Market Co-op on Barker Street.
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