Lovage

Livèche

What it is

Charlemagne ordered it grown in every imperial garden, and German kitchens still call it Maggikraut — the Maggi herb — because it tastes uncannily of the famous seasoning, though the sauce never contained it. Celery’s louder, wilder great-uncle, one leaf deep.

In the kitchen

Ferociously potent: one leaf perfumes a whole pot of broth or a potato salad. Its hollow stems make edible straws for a tomato juice.

Goes with

Potato Chicken Tomato Cream Lentils

In season alongside

Cilantro / Coriander Peppermint Thyme honey Arleux smoked garlic Basil Chives

Something wrong here, or missing? Tell us