Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb with a powerful, distinct flavor profile that is often described as a more intense, savory version of celery, sometimes with hints of anise or parsley. Traditionally cultivated in Europe, all parts of the plant—leaves, stems, seeds, and roots—are utilized. Historically, its strong aroma and taste have made it a popular addition to stocks, soups, and stews, providing a deep, almost meat-like savoriness that is why it is sometimes called “Maggi herb” in some regions. Finding this herb requires looking beyond standard grocery store shelves and exploring specific horticultural and specialty spice channels.
Locating Seeds and Live Plants
Lovage is a long-lived perennial that develops a deep taproot, meaning starting from seed or purchasing a live plant offers the most reliable long-term supply of the herb’s leaves.
Specialized mail-order seed companies are often the most consistent source for Lovage seeds, which are typically sold as Levisticum officinale. These retailers often stock seeds for less common culinary and medicinal herbs, sometimes including specific varieties or organic options. Lovage seeds are best sown indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost, as they can be slow to germinate.
If you prefer to start with a more established specimen, local or regional nurseries and independent garden centers are the best places to look for live plants. Lovage is one of the first herbs to emerge in the spring, making it most readily available as a potted plant during the early-to-mid spring planting season. Because of its large mature size, which can reach up to two meters, many conventional garden centers may carry only a limited stock.
Smaller local growers and farmer’s markets may also offer well-established Lovage crowns or divisions, which is beneficial since the herb can take a few years to reach full maturity from seed. One plant is often sufficient for a family’s fresh herb needs.
Purchasing Dried Herb and Extracts
For immediate culinary use or supplemental consumption, processed forms of Lovage, such as dried leaves, cut roots, or extracts, are the primary purchase options. Unlike common kitchen herbs, Lovage is rarely found in the spice aisle of major supermarkets, requiring a search of specialty retailers.
Specialty spice shops and traditional herbal apothecaries are the highest-quality sources for the dried leaves and roots of Levisticum officinale. The leaves are used for flavoring, while the dried roots are often used in herbal preparations due to their concentration of essential oils and diuretic properties. These smaller, dedicated retailers typically offer the herb in bulk or in small, carefully packaged quantities.
Large online health food retailers and supplement stores are the main outlets for Lovage extracts and tinctures. The root is frequently utilized to create these concentrated forms, which may be marketed for digestive or urinary support. Always verify the source and concentration when purchasing a supplement, as quality can vary widely among online vendors.
The dried herb and seeds may also be found in international or specialized European grocery stores, particularly those catering to Central and Eastern European cuisine, where Lovage is a more traditional seasoning. The seeds, which have a warm, celery-like flavor, are often crushed and used in baking or as a seasoning blend, similar to celery salt. When purchasing dried products, look for airtight packaging that protects the herb from light and moisture.
Quality and Sourcing Considerations
For dried leaves and roots, freshness is indicated by a strong, pungent, and distinctly celery-like aroma. If the dried herb lacks a robust scent, it suggests the volatile oils have dissipated, resulting in a less potent flavor.
When selecting seeds or live plants, choose reputable seed companies or nurseries that provide detailed information on the herb’s source and cultivation. For live plants, a healthy specimen will have vibrant green leaves and show no signs of wilting or disease. Since Lovage is a perennial, selecting a plant from a source that guarantees hardiness for your specific climate zone is a practical consideration.
Consumers interested in extracts or supplements should seek products that confirm their raw material sourcing, such as those with organic certification or verification of sustainable harvesting practices. Third-party testing can provide assurance of purity and potency. Once purchased, dried Lovage should be stored in an opaque, airtight container away from heat to preserve its powerful flavor compounds, while live plants should be planted promptly to encourage deep root establishment.