Lovage

• Add chopped fresh lovage leaves to soups and stews during the last few minutes of cooking to impart a celery-like flavor with herbal undertones, creating a comforting and aromatic broth. Perfect for vegetable soups or hearty meat stews.
• Infuse lovage leaves in olive oil or vinegar to create a flavorful condiment for salads, marinades, or drizzling over grilled vegetables and meats, offering a herbaceous depth to your culinary creations.
• Use lovage stems and leaves to flavor homemade stocks and broths, providing a robust and complex celery-like flavor that elevates the overall taste of your soups, sauces, and risottos.
• Incorporate finely chopped lovage leaves into salads, egg dishes, and dips for a fresh, herbaceous kick, adding a unique twist to classic recipes and enhancing their savory profile.
• Blend lovage leaves into pesto alongside basil and other herbs for a more complex and savory alternative to traditional basil pesto, ideal for pasta dishes or spreading on sandwiches.
• Pair lovage with potatoes in salads, gratins or roasted dishes for a flavourful combination. The herb complements potatoes particularly well.

• Rich in Vitamin C, boosting the immune system and acting as an antioxidant.
• Contains quercetin, a flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• May act as a natural diuretic, promoting kidney health and reducing water retention.
• Source of coumarins, which can have blood-thinning effects and may improve circulation.
• Provides dietary fiber, supporting healthy digestion and gut health.
• Offers various minerals like potassium and magnesium, essential for maintaining electrolyte balance and nerve function.

Lovage is best used fresh. Store fresh lovage sprigs in the refrigerator, wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag or container. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent wilting. You can also freeze lovage leaves for longer storage. Chop the leaves, blanch them briefly in boiling water, then transfer to an ice bath. Drain well and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container. Dried lovage should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place.