Lovage is a plant. The root and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine. Lovage is used as “irrigation therapy” for pain and swelling (inflammation) of the lower urinary tract, for prevention of kidney stones, and to increase the flow of urine when urinary tract infections or fluid retention is present.
What is the spice lovage?
Lovage (/ˈlʌvɪdʒ/), Levisticum officinale, is a tall perennial plant, the sole species in the genus Levisticum in the family Apiaceae, subfamily Apioideae. It has been long cultivated in Europe, the leaves being used as a herb, the roots as a vegetable, and the seeds as a spice, especially in southern European cuisine.
Where did lovage originate?
lovage, (Levisticum officinale), herb of the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) native to southern Europe. It is cultivated for its stalks and foliage, which are used for tea, as a vegetable, and to flavour foods, particularly meats.
Can I eat lovage raw?
Today, lovage is a favorite flavoring in Britain and southeastern Europe. It is eaten cooked or raw. The leaves are used in soups, stocks, flavored vinegars, pickles, stews, and salads. The anise, celery flavor of the lovage works really well.
How do you cook with lovage?
Add leaves to a mix of salad greens or let wilt in soups and stocks. Chop and use in place of parsley in chicken and tuna salad or a batch of fresh tomato salsa. Puree leaves and stalks into a morning smoothie (or Bloody Mary). Add celery seeds to marinades, soups, creamy dips, chili and potato salad.
How do you cook lovage?
Cooking with Lovage It is eaten cooked or raw. The leaves are used in soups, stocks, flavored vinegars, pickles, stews, and salads. In Italy, lovage is used with oregano and garlic for tomato sauces. The seeds are sprinkled over salads and mashed potatoes and are crushed for breads, pastries, biscuits, and cheeses.
Is lovage the same as Italian parsley?
It belongs to the same family as carrots, parsley, and dill. The dark-green leaves of the lovage plant resemble cilantro and Italian parsley in shape and color, and its stalks are often compared to celery stalks (in appearance and, to a lesser extent, in flavor).
Can lovage be eaten raw?
What is lovage called in the US?
Part of the Apiaceae family, other names for lovage include Ligusticum Levisticum (Linn.), Old English Lovage, American Lovage, Italian Lovage, Cornish Lovage, Maggi plant, and Smellage. Lovage is a perennial plant that is easy to cultivate because of its hardy properties.
How do you make lovage salt?
Lovage Salt Use 1/4 Cup Coarse Salt (Kosher or Sea Salt is especially nice) to 2 Tablespoons crumbled, dried lovage leaves. Mix together and store in an airtight jar. For a finer mixture, pulse in a blender or food processor. Use as a substitute for celery salt.
Is lovage toxic to dogs?
Causes of Lovage Poisoning in Dogs The toxins in lovage are volatile oils, especially phthalide lactones. Certain breeds are more susceptible to the toxins in lovage because of a mutation in the MDR-1 gene that affects the blood-brain barrier, making it easier for the toxin to get through to the brain.
What goes well with lovage?
Lovage is delicious with eggs, too – stir leaves into omelettes, scrambled egg or frittata. Tender young stems (from the centre of the plant) can be steamed and served as a side vegetable – lovely with a summer roast chicken.
