Cottage Herbal: 2

So you've come back! Wonderful. I have a special herb to share with you today which I have grown for many years now. I am rather fond of it's fresh scent and the habit of coming back every year with just a few new friends off to the sides. It's not very well known for medicinal benefits. More for it's culianry use and seasoning substitute for Diabetics. A substitute for Salt as well! I find the scent rather uplifting.

Lovage tastes & smells just like celery with a hinting of anise, which for me, is far more preferred over actual celery. Not only due to the more abundant stalks, but the ease in comparison to grow as well as a more enjoyable taste. Go ahead, taste & smell. Isn't it wonderful?!

Lovage has been said to help relieve abdominal pains due to gastrointestinal gas. It's also been touted to reduce flatulence when consumed as a tea brewed from its roots or leaves.

A little tidbit I picked up from my herbal knowledge seeking: A Cordial of Lovage, Yarrow & Tansy was sold in taverns throughout Britain at one time. Hmmm. interesting fact, ay?

 This not so little lovely readily sprouts up each year with a few friends in close proximity.  The main root will stop being as productive after a few years. This is where diligence on your part to align your lovage in such a way that a continuous supply will last a lifetime. Some may even say it grows like a weed. I believe that is more due to neglect of not cutting it back and allowing more then 1 to go to seed. They will also send up new plants from their roots, which is how I retain the herb without allowing any to form seed.

{2-3 year old roots which will need dug up are perfect for use in some recipes.}

I line mine up starting on one end with the oldest root and on down the line. They produce plenty to share with friends as well as stock your pantry with dried seasoning. They also make a very nice vegetable broth stock. A Pantry & herbage bonus.

Would like to know of more uses for it? After all, you will not lack in it once you have included him in you garden. Truly, it's a good thing. Some of these recipes & uses make for unique gifts.

What about a most tempting Lovage soup base? The bonus being it is suitable for canning!

This is a healthy, creamy soup. Use a spoonful or two in stews and soup

to add a depth and complexity of flavor to your meals. It will last in the refrigerator for several weeks or can for the Pantry. A German recipe for a soup stock base made from lovage (the original can be found at www.chefkoch.de).

1/2 celery root peeled and cut in pieces* {or substitute with Lovage root}
10 carrots, cleaned and cut in pieces
3 leeks, cleaned and cut in pieces
2 onions, skinned and cut in pieces
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and pressed
2 tomatoes, cut in pieces
1 bunch of lovage stem with leaves, cut finely
1 bunch of parsley
1 tbsp. salt 

10 pieces of pimento{personally, I would opt this out}

1. Put about 1/2 cup of water in a large pot and cook all of the above ingredients until soft.
2. Add salt to taste (it should not overwhelm the delicate flavor of the herbs and vegetables).
3. Put the cooked mass into a food processor and chop until the whole forms a firm mixture (it shouldn't be too runny). Keep in refrigerator for a few weeks or proceed as for canning.

Wood Dog3's blog has a useful recipe for Lovage Pesto at this link*

Old Fashioned Living shares a few recipes at this link* - I especially favor the Lovage & Lentil soup recipe.

Of course Lovage stems make a most excellent drinking straw for Bloody Marie's. I did find varying recipes when it comes to Lovage cordials, like those commonly served in 18th century British pubs.

You can always experiment with the herbs and spices you prefer to combine or be inspired by the European available lovage cordial which is mixed 2 parts to 1 part Brandy.

 Felicia shares this tempting summer cocktail over on her blog Felicia's Speak Easy.

Lovage Spritzer

1 ½ ounce lovage-infused vodka {simple recipe included below}

Sprite

Lime wedge *optional

Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add lovage-infused vodka and top with Sprite. Garnish with lime wedge.

Half of a pound chopped lovage minus the leaves to one bottle of vodka. Let it sit for about five days. The result is a clean, mild, celery-flavored vodka used in the above cocktail.

A nice read up I encourage you to visit with your Lovage interest is here* at Mountain Herb Estate. More tidbits to satisfy your need of knowledge.

Rarely if ever will you see this plant in garden centers. It appears to be more of an herb shared by other gardeners. I find that to add to it's charm. An herb shared amongst friends.

My small package has arrived from England as well as a special book ordered through my local library on this specific piece. I'll share more soon but first, I have some clay to play with.

Sweetest Dreams,

~Tammie