Lovage: Celery Alternative

It has been written that in the Middle ages, people stuffed this herb into their boots to keep their feet fresh! Today lovage can be used in place of recipes calling for celery to get a similar flavor. This herb is also known as European lovage, lavose and sea parsley.

Description

Lovage is a perrennial plant with dark green shiny leaves, and can grow to a height of six feet. Flowers which grow in compound umbels appear in the summer, and are rather small with a green or yellow tint. The whole plant is very aromatic.

Growing

Lovage is easy to grow, and grows fast (once it gets established). Plants usually last about four years, then would need to be replaced. It is recommended for USDA zones 5-8, prefers full sun to part shade, and well-drained soil. If it is grown in a relatively dry climate, it is good to pay particular attention to watering, as lovage prefers a more moist soil. Plant seed thickly indoors or straight outdoors in the fall since it will take some time to get established before the following warm months approach. Plants should be spaced two to three feet apart, and a good balanced fertilizer or compost can be added for nutrients. Try fish emulsion spray or kelp spray on leaves if they exhibit a yellow look. Flowers can be snipped to encourage more leaf growth, as with many other herbs.

Pests

If small "tunnels" are seen on the leaves, it may have an infestation of leaf miners. Try pruning away these leaves, or insecticidal soap can be tried.

Harvesting

Leaves and roots can be harvested. Snip leaves as needed to use fresh. To dry, snip bunches and dry upside down in a darkened area. Store in dry, tightly capped jars. Bunches can also be blanched and frozen for later use. Roots can be dug up in the late autumn, sliced and dried.

Uses

Culinary: This is a great celery substitute if one cannot grow celery. Use not only the leaves, but the hollow stems in dishes for that great taste. Lovage is a potent herb, so not much is needed. One teaspoon per medium pot of soup is probably all that is needed. Use not only in soups, but spaghetti sauce, other sauces, fish, omelets, vinaigrettes, and meats.

Medicinal: Ground dried or fresh root is sometimes used as a diuretic. One teaspoon fresh or dried root in one cup of water is the usual recipe. Caution: lovage should not be used medicinally by people with kidney problems. Lovage is also used to treat skin problems by adding it to bath water. Boil 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of root in 4 quarts of water and add to bath water.

Go To Page: 1 2