Lovage

Lovage is one of the most intriguing and versatile of herbs, yet when was the last time you saw it in a shop or even growing in someone’s garden? Time to redress the balance.

Lovage is a perennial herb that has many uses, the leaves being used as an herb, the roots as a vegetable, and the seeds as a spice. It brings fresh taste to soups, beans, fish, tomato sauces, pickles, etc. It has something of the same deep, savory character as celery, but is also spicy, peppery and pungent. If you like lamb soups or stews, cook them with lovage once and you will not consider missing it again. With its wonderful, deeply savory flavour, it will quickly find its way into half the things you cook.

Lovage is one of the few herbs that don’t mind a little shade. It is a true perennial and hence is very easy to cultivate in the garden. Give it enough water and a rich soil and it will live in your garden for many years.

During Summer, an ornamental yellow flowers appear which are a magnet for pollinators. Lovage is considered a ‘magic bullet’ companion plant, one that improves the health of all surrounding plants, so should be given a place in the vegetable garden.

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