Lovage Herb Info

By Tim Adam

A lot of people are now realizing the importance of living a healthier lifestyle and using the lovage herb is an excellent way to get started. If you are fond of using salt, you can use this herb as a substitute because of its superb flavor. Soups and vegetable stews will taste better if you use the herb in such dishes. The different parts of the lovage herb are edible and you can use them in potato and tomato dishes.

You must be aware that it will take about a year before you can start using the herb. One plant is enough for the needs of the family. The matured plant can grow as high as six feet and it does not require too much sunlight. In fact, you can plant it in the area where there is partial shade. Lovage herb will grow as long as you provide fairly fertilized soil and well drained soil. The germination usually takes 10 to 12 days and so you need t check during this time frame. Each pot can also have 4 seeds.

When the herb is already large enough for transplanting, you need to provide natural fertilizer and water frequently. Do this for a week and you can already transplant the lovage herb outdoors. When the herb is already 2 ft, you can now harvest little by little. You may use the stems for various recipes. Just chop the stems finely and you can already enjoy your favorite dishes.

Some people even eat the seeds or it can also be used when cooking. If you want a sweet flavor, you must use the seeds instead of the leaves of the herb. The lovage seeds are similar to celery seeds. Check the seeds during early summer and wait until it ripens or turns brown in color. Cut the stalk and you can start drying the seeds. By cutting the stalk, the herb will still reseed.

Every spring, you can dig up the roots and split them. The roots can be preserved and you can use it as well. Before storing the roots of the lovage herb, you must ensure that it is completely dry. The good thing about this great herb is that you can use fresh, dried, or preserved. You can give it as a gift to a friend who loves the herb.

It is also possible to freeze the leaves and stems. Blanch lovage leaves and place them in ice water. After several minutes, drain it, store inside a plastic bag and freeze. Lovage herb is also best for chicken soup and tomato soup. The minced lovage can also be used in biscuits, breads, meats, salad dressings, and pickles.

As you can see, the herb has many uses. Since every part can be used, it is worth planting this magnificent herb and it is also not difficult to grow. Just make sure to comply with the planting and growing requirements. Soon, you can have a flourishing lovage herb garden where you can harvest the leaves, seeds, roots, and stems with ease.

Tim is an experienced herb gardener and loves to grow herbs. To learn more about lovage herb as well as other great herb gardening, planting, growing and using techniques check out his dedicated herb growing and care website http://www.herbgardeningplace.com.

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For more on Planting Herbs, see www.bestguidetogardening.com.