Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a tall perennial plant, the sole species in the genus Levisticum, in the family Apiaceae. In 2010 we established two plants for
Matt Demille (our sous chef at the time), who was obsessed with the plant and found it hard to find in Toronto markets. Its flavor and smell is very similar to celery, but with more depth. It has been described by staff as tasting, "fancy," and "expensive." The leaves and grated roots can be used in salads, or to make soup, and the roots can be eaten whole as a vegetable.
Lovage tea can be applied to wounds as an antiseptic, and drunk to stimulate digestion. The seeds can be used as a spice, similar to fennel seeds, and In the UK, an alcoholic lovage cordial is traditionally mixed with brandy in the ratio of 2:1 as a winter drink.
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