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Root | Lovage
  • Root | Lovage
Root | Lovage

Root | Lovage

$9.75 CAD

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This lovage root is ideal for growing in the garden or in pots, providing a healthy and vigorous base for a long-lasting aromatic plant.
A LITTLE HISTORY

Lovage is a plant native to the mountainous regions of Europe, primarily the Alps, Carpathians, and Pyrenees. Its use dates back to ancient times, when it was already prized by the Greeks and Romans. These civilizations used lovage in their diet and considered it an aromatic plant, particularly to add flavor to their soups and broths. It was also used to flavor meat dishes.

The Romans, in particular, contributed to the spread of this plant to other parts of Europe through their empire. Pliny the Elder, in his work Natural History, mentions lovage as being useful both in cooking and in the preparation of remedies.

During the Middle Ages, the plant was cultivated in monastery gardens, and its use in cooking spread further throughout Europe. It was used as a substitute for celery in various dishes, especially in regions where celery was less commonly grown.

Over the centuries, lovage spread throughout Europe and was then introduced to North America in the 18th century, where it adapts well to temperate climates, particularly in humid areas. It now grows wild in regions such as Canada and the United States.

Thus, lovage has survived through the ages as a key ingredient in European cuisine and has been adopted in many cultures around the world.
PROPERTIES

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a plant known for its medicinal properties. Here's an overview of its main benefits:

  • Diuretic
    Lovage is traditionally used to promote the elimination of water from the body. It stimulates urine production, which can be helpful in treating problems related to water retention and helping to cleanse the kidneys and urinary system.
  • Digestive
    It is also known for its beneficial effects on digestion. Lovage can be used to relieve digestive problems, such as bloating, abdominal pain, or indigestion by stimulating the production of gastric juices.
  • Anti-inflammatory
    The plant has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating mild inflammation, especially for relieving joint pain and muscle inflammation.
  • Antiseptic
    Lovage also has antiseptic properties, allowing it to fight certain bacterial infections. It can be used in decoctions or infusions to treat mild urinary tract infections.
  • Improved traffic flow
    Some studies suggest that lovage may help improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for heart health and reducing the risk of circulatory problems.
  • Breathing aid
    Lovage infusions are sometimes used to relieve the symptoms of certain respiratory conditions, such as coughs or mild bronchitis, due to its expectorant effects.

Here is an overview of the main nutrients it can provide:

  • Vitamins
    Vitamin A: Lovage is a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for skin health, vision, and the immune system. It is particularly useful for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and supporting retinal function.
  • Vitamin C: This plant also contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system, fight free radicals, and promote iron absorption. It also plays a key role in collagen synthesis for healthy tissues.
  • B Vitamins: Lovage contains modest amounts of B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin), which are important for energy metabolism, nerve function, and skin health.
  • Minerals
    Calcium: Lovage is a good source of calcium, which is crucial for healthy bones and teeth, as well as muscle and nerve function.
  • Potassium: This mineral is essential for heart function, blood pressure regulation, and muscle contraction. Potassium also plays an important role in body fluid balance.
  • Iron: Lovage also contains iron, a mineral necessary for the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen in the blood. This helps prevent anemia and supports energy metabolism.
  • Magnesium: This mineral is involved in over 300 biochemical functions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle function, and stress reduction. It is also crucial for bone and heart health.
  • Phosphorus: Phosphorus is essential for the development of bones and teeth, as well as for cellular energy production (ATP).
  • Manganese: Lovage contains manganese, an important antioxidant that plays a role in bone formation, protection against oxidative stress, and protein synthesis.
HOW TO COOK?

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) can be used in cooking in a variety of ways thanks to its aromatic flavor, similar to celery but more intense and spicy. It's ideal for flavoring dishes and can be used fresh, dried, or in powdered form. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your recipes:

  • Use of fresh leaves
    Fresh lovage leaves have a strong flavor, so they are perfect for adding a stronger celery taste to your dishes.
  • Soups and Broths: Add fresh lovage leaves to your soups, broths, or broths for a flavorful touch. They pair well with vegetable or meat soups, such as chicken or root vegetable soups.
  • Salads: Finely chop the leaves and add them to salads for a fresh, slightly spicy flavor. Mix them with other herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
  • Meats and vegetables: Lovage pairs well with grilled meats (chicken, pork, lamb) and roasted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, zucchini). You can add chopped leaves at the end of cooking to retain their fresh flavor.

 

  • Using fresh stems
    Lovage stems are thicker and have a crunchy texture, making them perfect for cutting into small pieces and adding to cooked dishes.
  • Sautéed: Chop the stems into small pieces and add them to stir-fried vegetables or meat dishes, such as a vegetable stir-fry or a winter vegetable skillet. You can also sauté them with garlic and olive oil as a base for sauces.
  • Stews: Add the stems to stews or curries to add a unique flavor boost.

 

  • Use of roots (powdered or dried)
    Lovage root has a stronger flavor and can be used in powdered form or as a decoction. It is particularly useful for adding depth to dishes.
  • Root Powder: You can dry the roots and grind them into a powder. Add this powder to sauces, soups, or spice blends to enhance the flavor of dishes.
  • Infusion: Make an infusion with dried roots and use it as a base for sauces or soups. This infusion can also be used as a homemade vegetable broth.

 

  • Make a scented oil
    A simple way to use lovage is to make an infused oil.

Lovage Oil: Take fresh lovage leaves and place them in a bottle with olive oil. Let them infuse for a few days and use this oil to season your salads, grilled vegetables, or pasta.

  • In marinades
    Use lovage to make marinades for meat and fish. Mix chopped leaves with lemon, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and let the meat marinate for a few hours before cooking.
HOW TO GROW?

Please: Keep lovage roots refrigerated until planting, making sure they remain moist.

Plant the roots horizontally, either by sowing in April or directly in the garden between mid-April and the beginning of June. You have until autumn, i.e. the end of September, to put your roots in the ground.

It is best to wait until the second year of cultivation before starting harvests, then you can harvest between September and May.

It is very important to water the soil regularly, as lovage loves water and prefers constantly moist soil.

Our roots are vigorous, open-pollinated, and adapted to the Quebec climate.

Planting lovage roots

  • Species: Levisticum officinale
  • Planting period:
    You can plant lovage roots in spring, either from April to June, before the last frost in your area, or at the end of September if you want to plant in the fall.
  • Planting depth:
    Plant the roots 7 to 10 cm deep in the soil.
  • Root arrangement:
    Place the roots horizontally in the soil so they can develop properly.
  • Spacing between roots:
    It is recommended to leave a spacing of 60 to 75 cm between each root to allow good development of the plant.
  • Height at maturity: 100-200 cm
    Maturity: 2 years | Perennial
    Roots per envelope: +/- 3

Our roots are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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