Lovage

A shiny, smooth leaf herb with leaves, stem, roots, and seeds that are all used for flavoring. Native to Iran, Afghanistan and southern Europe, Lovage is now grown in many different countries. The leaves can be used fresh, dried, ground or rubbed but when dried, they lose their flavor after six months. Fresh leaves can be frozen to preserve this herb longer. Lovage has a strong celery flavor and is used in soups, stews, pork, poultry, and potato dishes. When cooking with Lovage be very careful not to use it in excess because its flavor can easily overwhelm any of the foods with which it is combined.