Lovage

Name:
*Lovage (Levisticum officinale)


Description:
*hardy perennial plant, can grow up to 6 feet tall
*best in zones 5-8
*closely related to both angelica and celery
*dies down in the winter but comes back in early spring

Parts Used:
*leaves and stems, seeds, roots, both fresh or dried

Position:
*rich, moist well-drained soil
*full sun to partial shade, but use light shade if summers are hot where you live

Propagation:
*you can propagated by seed: use cold stratification for 1-2 weeks, then sow indoors in seed flats/trays and transplant when plants are healthy and after frost danger
*you can also propagate by division in spring

Maintenance:
*remove older, yellowing leaves throughout harvesting season to promote fresh growth
*you can cut older plants down to about 1 foot high to encourage fresh foilage and growth in midsummer
*give the plant plenty of compost for best flavor and health

Harvesting:
*For cooking, pick leaves as required
*For medicinal purposes, pick the leaves before flowering
*dig up roots in spring of fall after the 3rd year
*you can dry all parts of the plant
*you can freeze the leaves in sealed plastic bags.
*Some references say that the leaves do not dry well and should be frozen, other references say you can either dry OR freeze, other references say to dry them. Which is correct? I will experiment and let you know. You can also tell me what worked for you...
*harvest seeds when they begin to turn brown. Tie a paper bag over their heads and hang upside down in a dry, airy place. Collect the seeds that fall in the paper bag

Medicinal:
*good for digestion and flatulence
*good for upset stomachs
*has excellent deodorizing properties
*do not take if you have kidney problems

Cooking:
*often called "false celery" due to its' similar taste to celery
*can be used in sauces, condiments, soups, etc.
*the seeds are added to liqueurs and cordials and breads
*blanch the stems in a similar way as rhubarb or eat them raw in salads
*if using the root as a vegetable, remove the bitter-tasting skin

For additional information, see: references and warnings