Lovage

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a tall, statuesque perennial herb whose leaves, stems, and seeds all carry an intense celery flavor — concentrated enough that a little goes a very long way. Once a common cottage-garden herb, it has fallen out of everyday use but remains a favorite among cooks who want celery flavor without the vegetable itself.

Growing Lovage

Lovage is a large, long-lived perennial that dies back to the ground each winter and returns reliably in spring, often reaching impressive height by midsummer. It prefers rich, evenly moist soil and can tolerate part shade, unlike many other culinary herbs. Give it plenty of space — a mature clump can spread 2 to 3 feet wide and tower over most nearby plants.

Culinary Uses

Chopped lovage leaves add an intense celery flavor to soups, stews, and stocks, and the hollow stems are sometimes used as an edible stirrer for savory cocktails like a Bloody Mary. Because the flavor is so concentrated, lovage is typically used in small amounts — a little easily overwhelms a dish that calls for a subtler touch.