Lovage- a Fun Herb to Grow

Lovage is a tall culinary herb that tastes like celery.  It is part of the parsley family and can be used in any recipe that calls for celery.   It survives the harsh Chicago winters and is always one of the first plants to emerge from the ground in spring.  The first year I planted it, it grew only to about 2 feet tall.  But the second year- wow!  It grew to 5 feet tall and very bushy.  It requires no maintenance and gives you abundant growth every year. 

It's leaves are large and shiny.  The stems and leaves work in any recipe that calls for celery.
In fact, it has a more intense celery flavor.

  Notice the wide stem on the plant-

 

 

This year's growth so far, with a very chilly spring in Lake Bluff.

 

 

 

The wide stem is hollow inside and makes the perfect straw for sipping Bloody Mary's.

 

Or simply a glass of tomato juice!

 

Every sip is enhanced with the flavor of celery.   How much fun is that? !!!!