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Lovage is a large, leafy plant that can grow up to 180 centimeters tall and spread up to 80 centimeters wide, if not more. It is similar in appearance to parsley and celery with its long and thin hollow stalks and lacy, glossy, dark-green leaves. When mature, the plant bears yellow flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters or umbels. The jagged-edged leaves offer a fresh scent and flavor similar to celery but sweeter and more robust, with notes of anise or fennel and a hint of citrus, similar to parsley.
Seasons/Availability
Lovage is available in the spring and early summer.
Current Facts
Lovage is botanically known as Levisticum officinale, and it is the only member of the genus Levisticum in the Apiaceae family. The Lovage plant is entirely edible from its roots and seeds to stalks and leaves, and its bright, citrusy, celery-like flavor has earned it the nickname "False Celery." The name “Lovage” is indirectly derived from the Latin name Ligusticum, meaning “pertaining to Liguria,” a region in Italy where Lovage was native and extensively cultivated. In Italy, Lovage is called Sedano Di Monte or Mountain Celery. In England and some other parts of Europe, it is also often referred to as Smellage or Maggi Plant, and the Germans colloquially call it Maggikraut because its flavor is similar to that of Maggi seasoning, a common umami-rich, soy sauce-like flavoring agent that was invented in Switzerland during the late 1800s. Lovage’s popularity has always been centralized in Europe, where it has somewhat fallen out of favor compared to its long history of use. It is not very well known here in the United States, although it has found its way into some modern-day home gardens and onto select fine-dining menus.
Nutritional Value
Lovage is packed with vitamin C and various B-complex vitamins and contains good amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Lovage is also known for having a substantial amount of quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have been studied for its potential to lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, ease skin irritations, and serve as a pain reliever. No surprise that the various parts of the plant have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine, serving as an herbal remedy for ailments including inflammation, indigestion, joint pain, and headaches. It has historically been employed as a diuretic, a stimulant, and as a treatment for a variety of ailments from jaundice to sore throats, even as a means to regulate menstrual cycles. Cosmetically, Lovage is often made into a salve to soothe rashes and psoriasis and combat acne.
Applications
Lovage leaves are best used fresh and can be substituted for celery in various recipes. Add young Lovage leaves to green salads, steep in hot water for an herbal tea, sauté or simmer in soups and stews, or finely chop for bread stuffing or casseroles. Both the leaves and stems can be used in place of parsley or celery in salsas and chicken, tuna, pasta, potato, or egg salad. Lovage leaf stalks can be sautéed similarly to celery as a vegetable side dish, and in England, the hollow stems are candied as a bittersweet confection. Even the roots and seeds are edible, with the seeds serving as a flavoring agent in confectioneries, liqueurs, marinades, spice mixes, and more. Lovage pairs well with garlic, potatoes, eggs, fish, beans, beef, and poultry. Store fresh Lovage in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and use it within a few days. Lovage leaves can be dried or frozen to extend their shelf life; however, drying will significantly dull their bold flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Celtic tradition, Lovage was said to relieve exhaustion, and the leaves were often placed in the shoes of weary travelers or in baths with aromatic essential oils to help relieve muscle aches. It was even used in medieval love potions, and Europeans would bathe in the leaves, believing that the scent would attract new love. Queen Victoria was known to carry candied lovage seeds in her pockets, and legend has it that she even requested pockets sewn into her dresses to carry the seedy snack.
Geography/History
Lovage is native to the Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia, where it has been growing since ancient times when it was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. It was introduced into Britain by the Romans and later brought to North America by early English colonists. Lovage became a very popular plant in medieval times thanks to its medicinal properties. It was grown in abundance in monasteries and gardens throughout Europe, including the grounds of Charlemagne’s estate. Today, Lovage can be found growing wild, and it is also cultivated on a minor scale throughout central Europe, especially in France and Greece, in parts of Britain, Asia, and the eastern United States. It is grown in the gardens at Plimoth Plantation, a replication of the original pilgrim village in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Lovage is more likely to be grown in home gardens or on small farms and is still much more prevalent in Europe than in the United States, but it can be found at local farmers markets or specialty stores.
BioAgora Organic Market
Akrotiriou 80
732 00 Souda Chania
+30 2821 069727 [email protected]
Lovage: This tall and leafy herb grows up to 180 centimeters, resembling parsley and celery with its lacy, dark-green leaves and hollow stalks. Its jagged-edged leaves provide a fresh, robust flavor with hints of anise, fennel, and citrus, making it a sweet yet vibrant addition to dishes, particularly tomato sauce recipes where it can serve as a garnish.
Coleman Family Farms
Lovage From Coleman Family Farms In Santa Monica, California…..Lovage, a versatile herb, can be a substitute for celery or parsley in recipes. The leaves are great for salads, teas, soups, or stuffing, while the stalks can be sautéed as a side dish. In England, its hollow stems are candied into a bittersweet treat. Seeds enhance marinades, liqueurs, and spice mixes. Pair Lovage with garlic, potatoes, or poultry for bold flavors. Store fresh in the fridge within a plastic bag, or freeze to preserve its taste, as drying diminishes its strength.
Santa Monica Farmer's Market
155-199 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
From Coleman family farm…..Lovage: Lovage plants are entirely edible, with roots, seeds, stalks, and leaves offering bright, citrusy, celery-like flavors. Historically cultivated in Liguria, Italy, its name stems from the Latin “Ligusticum.” In Europe, it’s often nicknamed Maggi Plant for its flavor’s similarity to Maggi seasoning. Lovage contains quercetin, vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins, and it has medicinal uses, including treating inflammation, indigestion, and headaches.
Romeo Coleman
Carpenteria, CA
+18054317324 [email protected]
Lovage: Lovage is native to the Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia, introduced into Britain by the Romans and later brought to North America by English colonists. Cultivated heavily in medieval monasteries for its medicinal uses, it remains prevalent in Europe, especially France and Greece, though grown on smaller scales in Asia, Britain, and parts of the eastern United States. It is featured in historic gardens like Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts.
Romeo Coleman
Carpenteria,CA
+18054317324 [email protected]
Lovage: In Celtic tradition, lovage was believed to relieve exhaustion, with its leaves placed in the shoes of weary travelers or used in baths to ease muscle aches. During medieval times, it was an ingredient in love potions, and Europeans thought its scent could attract love. Queen Victoria reportedly enjoyed candied lovage seeds so much that she had pockets sewn into her dresses specifically to carry this snack.
Romeo Coleman
+18054317324 [email protected]
Lovage is a tall plant reaching up to 180 centimeters, with hollow stalks and dark-green, glossy, jagged-edged leaves resembling parsley and celery. It offers a fresh scent and a uniquely sweet yet robust flavor profile, combining celery-like qualities with hints of anise, fennel, citrus, and parsley notes. When mature, its yellow flowers form umbrella-shaped clusters called umbels.
Park Falls Farmers Market
1185 S 4th Ave Highway 13
715 762 7457 [email protected]
Lovage leaves can serve as a substitute for celery in recipes, lending a similar but sharper flavor. They work well in salads, teas, soups, casseroles, and stuffing. In England, their hollow stems are candied for a bittersweet treat, while seeds add depth to spice mixes and marinades. Lovage complements garlic, potatoes, and poultry, and can be stored fresh or preserved by drying or freezing.
Sweet Farm
177 Division st
715 518 9333
Lovage offers a unique combination of nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It is also rich in quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which has been studied for its ability to lower blood pressure, support the immune system, ease skin irritations, and act as a natural pain reliever. This versatile plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to address ailments like inflammation, headaches, and indigestion.
Skinny Kitty Farm
Mt. Vernon, WA
Lovage, an herb with a long history, originates from the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia and was cherished by ancient Greeks and Romans. The Romans introduced it to Britain, and English colonists later brought it to North America. In medieval times, it thrived in European monasteries and gardens, including Charlemagne’s estate. Today, lovage is cultivated on a small scale in Europe, parts of Asia, and the U.S., often in home gardens or specialty farms. It is even grown at Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts.
Romeo Coleman
(805) 431-7324
Lovage spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market……Lovage: In Celtic tradition, lovage was cherished for its ability to relieve exhaustion. Weary travelers would place its leaves in their shoes or soak in baths with its aromatic oils to ease muscle aches. Medieval Europeans believed its scent attracted new love, often bathing in its leaves. Queen Victoria famously kept candied lovage seeds in her pockets and even requested special pockets in her dresses for this purpose.