Get To Know Lovage: The Lesser-Known Herb That’s a Game Changer in the Kitchen

Are you tired of the same old vegetables in your garden? Do you want something new, has many uses, and is easy and fun to grow?

Look no further than lovage!

This underdog of the vegetable world is like celery on steroids, with a complex flavor and unique hollow stems that can be used as straws (so cool, right?).

Lovage is a perennial powerhouse that keeps coming back stronger every year, making it a reliable addition to any garden.

Check out this video to see what it looks like.

@planthero.app Lovage, similar to celery but so many more benefits like making straws out of the stems! #lovage #celery #foraging #herbs #gardening #edibleplants #plants #plantsoftiktok #planttiktok #plantbased #planthelp #sustainable #sustainability #sustainabilitytiktok ♬ It Will Be Nice - Balang_3go

According to a TikTok video by @planthero.app, lovage is a fun and easy plant to grow in your garden.

It's slow to germinate, but once it gets going, it's hard to stop.

Lovage can be used in place of celery in any recipe, and it's even more flavorful and complex than celery according to some commenters.

Its deep taproot allows it to thrive with minimal irrigation once it's established.

And the best part? The hollow stem of the lovage plant can be used as a sustainable replacement for straws!

Quick Facts About Lovage

But what exactly is lovage? Here are some fun facts about this unique plant:

  • Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a member of the carrot family and is native to southern Europe and western Asia.
  • The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has large, dark green leaves that resemble those of celery.
  • Lovage has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, from indigestion to respiratory problems.
  • In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, lovage has also been used in perfumes and soaps.

Now that you know a bit more about lovage, let's talk about how to plant and care for it.

Lovage can be started from seed indoors in late winter or early spring, or directly sown outside in the garden in the spring.

It's important to note that lovage is slow to germinate, so be patient!

When the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted outside once the danger of frost has passed.

Lovage prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

It's important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the plant's first year of growth.

Once established, lovage is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.

As for harvesting, the leaves and stems can be harvested as needed throughout the growing season.

To use the hollow stems as straws, simply cut them to the desired length and rinse thoroughly before using.

And if you're planning to plant one, it's easy to buy seeds from your local nursery or online.

You can get your lovage seeds on Amazon.

The Little Known Plant That's Making A Big Impression

While lovage may be a little known plant to many, there are actually quite a few people who are familiar with its unique flavor and benefits.

In fact, it is surprising to learn in the comments section that some people have been growing lovage in their garden for years, without even realizing all its wonderful benefits!

@periphalurking says "I've been growing this for years and never thought to make straws out of the tubes! one thing you missed is using the leaves as a parsley upgrade."

Many gardeners have also been growing lovage for its attractive appearance, ease of care, and culinary benefits.

@littlebarnnextdoor says, "I have a big one that I divide every couple years. I find one leaf if enough flavour. It’s potent!"

@grgtraynor133 says, "It makes a great soup with potatoes. Can be used as Angelica."

Part of the charm of lovage is its underdog status in the culinary world.

While it may not be as well-known as other herbs and vegetables, those who are familiar with it know that it's a true gem.

So why not try planting lovage in your garden this year?

With its complex flavor and versatility in the kitchen, lovage is a plant that's worth getting to know.

If you want to try planting other herbs as well, get some ideas here: 18 Herbs That Like Full Sun For Your Kitchen Windowsill

Have you tried lovage before?

Let us know in the comments!

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