Lovage, also known as the Maggi plant, is an herb with a powerful, savory flavor often reminiscent of broth or Maggi. Despite the nickname, lovage does not contain Maggi; the similarity is purely in the taste. Especially in soups, stews and potato dishes, lovage has been a beloved ingredient for many years.
Don’t often use fresh lovage? Then ground lovage is a handy alternative. You can easily add exactly the right amount and always have the herb within reach.
What is lovage?
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a hardy perennial from the Apiaceae family, which also includes celery, carrot and parsley. The plant can grow up to two meters tall and has large, dark green leaves.
Almost the whole plant is edible:
- The leaves
- The stems
- The seeds
- The roots
In the kitchen the leaves are mainly used, both fresh and dried. Ground lovage is made from carefully dried leaves that are then finely milled. This preserves the herb’s characteristic savory flavor and makes it ready to use immediately.
Ground lovage is ideal when you:
- want to quickly add extra flavor;
- don’t have fresh lovage at hand;
- want an even distribution of flavor in soups, sauces and stews.
At Natural Spices you’ll find 100% pure ground lovage, without added salt, sugar or other flavor enhancers.
Why is lovage also called the Maggi plant?
The name Maggi plant often causes confusion.
Many people think Maggi is made from lovage, but that is not the case. The taste of lovage closely resembles the savory, spicy flavor of Maggi, which is how the nickname arose.
Lovage is therefore a completely natural herb that has been used for centuries, long before the well-known seasoning existed.
What does lovage taste like?
Lovage has a strong flavor often described as a combination of:
- celery
- parsley
- broth
- a mild pepperiness
- a hint of anise
It is an intense herb. A small amount already provides a lot of flavor.
What do you use lovage for?
Lovage is especially good in savory dishes.
1. Soup
Lovage is perhaps most used in:
- vegetable soup
- pea soup
- chicken soup
- potato soup
- lentil soup
Add fresh lovage at the end of cooking for the freshest flavor.
2. Broth
Because of its natural umami-like flavor, lovage is ideal for homemade vegetable or chicken broth.
3. Stews
Even in slow-cooked dishes lovage adds extra depth of flavor.
Think of:
- beef
- stews
- hachee (braised beef)
- vegetarian stews
4. Potato dishes
Lovage pairs surprisingly well with:
- mashed potatoes
- potato soup
- roasted potatoes
- stamppot (Dutch mashed-potato dish)
5. Sauces
Chop fresh lovage finely and mix it into:
- yogurt sauce
- herb butter
- cream sauce
- vinaigrettes
Can you eat lovage raw?
Yes.
Fresh young leaves are delicious:
- in a salad
- on a sandwich
- in herb butter
- in quark or cream cheese
Don’t use too much, because the flavor is quite strong.
Fresh or dried lovage?
Both are perfectly usable.
Fresh lovage
- fresher
- more aromatic
- ideal as a finishing touch
Dried lovage
- stronger in taste
- perfect for soups and stews
- long shelf life
Which herbs go well with lovage?
Lovage combines well with:
- parsley
- chives
- thyme
- rosemary
- bay leaf
- garlic
- pepper
Together they form a nice base for many winter dishes.
Is lovage healthy?
Lovage naturally contains various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In addition, the herb has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine.
Although lovage can be a valuable addition to a varied diet, there is insufficient scientific evidence to make specific health claims. Therefore, use it primarily for its delicious flavor.
Growing your own lovage
Lovage is an easy plant to grow yourself.
It grows:
- in the open ground
- in a raised planter
- in a large pot
The plant reappears every spring and requires little maintenance.
Buying lovage
Want to always have the characteristic savory taste of lovage on hand? With ground lovage you can easily add extra flavor to soups, sauces, potato dishes and stews.
At Natural Spices you can buy 100% pure ground lovage, without unnecessary additives. Thanks to the fine grind, the herb is ready to use immediately and easy to dose.
See here ground lovage: https://www.naturalspices.nl/lavas-gemalen
Frequently asked questions
1. Is lovage the same as celery?
No. They do belong to the same plant family and have a similar taste, but they are different plants. Lovage is noticeably stronger and more herbaceous.
2. Can you freeze lovage?
Yes. Chop the leaves finely and freeze them in small portions or in ice cube trays. That way you always have fresh lovage at hand.
3. How much lovage do you use?
Start with a small amount. Because of its strong flavor, one to two leaves or half a teaspoon of dried lovage is often already sufficient.
4. Does lovage suit vegetarian dishes?
Absolutely. Thanks to its savory flavor, lovage adds extra depth to vegetable, bean and lentil dishes without meat.
5. Is lovage the same as Maggi?
No. Lovage does not contain Maggi and Maggi is not made from lovage. The nickname "Maggi plant" only refers to the similar savory flavor.
Discover the versatility of lovage
Lovage may be less well known than parsley or thyme, but it definitely deserves a place in the kitchen. With its powerful, savory flavor it instantly adds more depth to soups, stews, potatoes and sauces. Use it sparingly and discover why this classic herb has been loved for generations.
