50 MOUNTAIN CELERY LOVAGE HERB SEEDS Levisticum officinale PERENNIAL Large Plant
~ ~ ~ WE OFFER BOTH PKT. & BULK SIZES ~ ~ ~ Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a tall perennial plant, the sole species in the genus Levisticum, in the family Apiaceae, subfamily Apioideae, tribe Apieae The exact native range is disputed; some sources cite it as native to much of Europe and southwestern Asia, others from only the eastern Mediterranean region in southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, and yet others only to southwestern Asia in Iran and Afghanistan, citing European populations as naturalized. It has been long cultivated in Europe, the leaves being used as a herb, the roots as a vegetable, and the seeds as a spice, especially in southern European cuisine. Uses Also known as "Mountain Celery", lovage is used in salads, potato dishes, and poultry much the same way that celery is. It grows wild in the mountainous districts of the south of France, in northern Greece and in the Balkans, and can grow to be a fairly large plant. Very nice aroma and flavor. The leaves can be used in salads, or to make soup, and the roots can be eaten as a vegetable or grated for use in salads. Lovage tea can be applied to wounds as an antiseptic, or drunk to stimulate digestion. Young leaves taste like celery and are used in spring tonic salads and with potato and poultry dishes. The seeds can be used as a spice, similar to fennel seeds. In the UK, lovage cordial was traditionally mixed with brandy in the ratio of 2:1 as a winter drink. Lovage is second only to capers in its quercetin content.