Hardly any other herb triggers that “homemade soup” craving quite like lovage. It’s often called the “Maggi herb” because its savory scent is a dead ringer for that famous seasoning sauce! But beyond being a natural flavor booster for your favorite dishes, this versatile herb has a lot more to offer. Let’s dive into everything you can do with it.
Which parts of the plant can you use?
Most gardeners stick to the freshly clipped leaves, but don’t stop there! You can actually use the seeds, stems, and even the roots. Lovage leaves work great whether they are freshly harvested, dried, or frozen.
While dried leaves are super convenient and have a long shelf life, they do tend to lose a bit of their punch. If you want a long-lasting alternative with a kick, try the seeds. Even when dried or crushed, they pack a serious flavor profile that’s perfect for seasoning.
Lovage: The ultimate soup herb
If you’ve ever used lovage in a soup, you know there’s no going back. It gives vegetable soups and hearty stews an incredible depth of flavor—and it’s healthy to boot! Many store-bought seasonings are loaded with artificial enhancers, but lovage is packed with natural oils. Plus, if you grow it yourself, it’s as organic as it gets.
One quick pro-tip: go easy on it! This herb is surprisingly powerful and can easily take over a dish if you’re heavy-handed. A good rule of thumb is to start with just one leaf per quart of broth.
More ways to use it in the kitchen
Don’t let the “soup herb” nickname fool you—lovage is a team player in all sorts of recipes.
It pairs beautifully with:
- Roast pork or poultry
- Savory sauces
- Fresh salad mixes
- Mushroom dishes
- Fish (especially salmon)
- Herbed yogurt or sour cream dips
The sky is the limit here. You can mix the seeds into bread dough or omelets, and it even adds a sophisticated twist to savory vegetable tarts.
Using lovage as a healing herb
Lovage has a long history as a medicinal plant and is often used to help ease various ailments. It’s known for being a natural diuretic, a digestive aid, and an antispasmodic.
You might find relief using lovage for:
- Soothing digestive issues
- Relieving cramps
- Fighting heartburn
- Flushing out the urinary tract (great for UTIs)
- Helping with skin conditions or acne
The easiest way to use it medicinally is by brewing a tea. Just pour hot water over a teaspoon of dried leaves, let it steep, and enjoy!
