Harvesting Lovage Plants: Tips and Tricks for a Bountiful Harvest

Have you ever heard of lovage plants? This underrated herb is not as well-known as other herbs like basil or oregano, but it has a lot to offer in terms of flavor and health benefits. If you're thinking about growing lovage plants in your garden, then you need to know how to harvest them properly. In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your lovage plants.

Choosing the Right Time to Harvest Lovage Plants

The first step in harvesting lovage plants is to pick the right time. Lovage plants typically grow to be around 4-6 feet tall, and they produce large, dark green leaves that resemble celery leaves. You can start harvesting lovage plants when they are around 2-3 feet tall, but it's best to wait until they are at least 4 feet tall so that you can get a bigger yield.

The best time to harvest lovage plants is in the late summer or early fall when the plants are at their peak growth stage. The leaves will have a strong flavor at this point, and the stems will be thick and sturdy enough to support the weight of the leaves.

Harvesting Lovage Leaves

To harvest lovage leaves, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stem near the base of the plant. Make sure to leave at least 2-3 inches of stem attached to each leaf, as this will help the plant to regrow new leaves more quickly. Avoid cutting off all the leaves on one stem, as this can stunt the growth of the plant.

When harvesting lovage leaves, it's important to choose only the healthy, mature leaves. Avoid picking leaves that are yellowed or wilted, as these are likely to be less flavorful and may have lower nutritional value.

Harvesting Lovage Stalks

Lovage stalks are also edible and can be used in a variety of recipes. To harvest lovage stalks, wait until the plant is at least 4 feet tall and the stems are thick and sturdy. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stem near the base of the plant, leaving at least 6-8 inches of stem attached to each stalk.

When harvesting lovage stalks, it's important to be careful not to damage the plant. Avoid pulling or twisting the stalks, as this can cause the stem to break or the roots to become damaged.

Drying Lovage Plants

If you want to preserve your lovage plants for later use, one option is to dry them. To do this, simply hang the lovage plants upside-down in a dry, well-ventilated area. Once the plants are completely dry, remove the leaves and store them in an airtight container.

If you're drying lovage stalks, you can either hang them upside-down or lay them flat on a screen or wire rack. Once the stalks are completely dry, store them in a cool, dry place.

Using Lovage Plants in Recipes

Now that you've harvested your lovage plants, it's time to use them in your favorite recipes! Lovage leaves and stalks can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and sauces.

One popular way to use lovage is to chop up the leaves and use them as a seasoning for roasted vegetables or grilled meats. Lovage has a bold, savory flavor that pairs well with garlic, onions, and other herbs like thyme and rosemary.

You can also use lovage leaves to make a refreshing tea. Simply steep a handful of fresh leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then strain and enjoy.

Harvesting lovage plants is easy once you know what to look for. By choosing the right time to harvest, being careful not to damage the plant, and using the leaves and stalks in your favorite recipes, you can enjoy the benefits of this versatile herb all year round.

Lovage Plant Leaves

Lovage plants, herb gardening, cooking with herbs, preserving herbs, herbal tea, herb seasonings