Lovage leaves

Levisticum officinale — “maggikraut” with bold, savory greenness

Lovage—often nicknamed maggikraut—is a characterful leaf herb with a celery-like, spicy-green aroma and a pleasantly bitter, umami edge. A little goes a long way, making it perfect for soups, broths, salads and hearty vegetable dishes.

• Botany: Levisticum officinale • Family: Apiaceae
• Part used: leaves (dried, cut)
• Profile: intense celery leaf, savory, lightly bitter, aromatic
• Best for: soups, stocks, stews, potato & cabbage dishes, salads, herb salts

Aroma & Taste

Think celery leaves turned up a notch: deep herbal greenness with a clean, lightly bitter finish that cuts through rich foods and brightens simple broths.

Culinary Uses

• Soups & stocks: add to vegetable or chicken stock; finish potato, lentil or barley soups.
• Vegetables: excellent with potatoes, carrots, leeks, cabbage and root veg mash.
• Salads & dressings: fold a small pinch into vinaigrettes and grain salads.
• Seasoning blends: mix with parsley and chives for a brisk green sprinkle; great in herb salts.

How to Use

• Timing: add early for roundness in stocks/braises; finish with a pinch for bright top notes.
• Crush to release: rub dried leaves between fingers just before adding.
• Fresh ↔ dried guide: about 1 tsp dried ≈ 1 Tbsp fresh (start small—lovage is potent).

Dosage & Kitchen Ratios

• Soups/stews: 1/2–1 tsp dried per 1 l (4 cups) base.
• Vegetables/grains: 1/2 tsp per 500 g (1.1 lb) food; adjust to taste.
• Dressings: up to 1/4 tsp dried per 250 ml (1 cup) vinaigrette.

Pairings

Parsley, chives, dill, bay leaf, garlic, onion, mustard, black pepper; potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beans and barley; chicken and white fish.

Ingredients & Allergens

Ingredients: Lovage leaves (Levisticum officinale), dried and cut.

Allergens: none mandatory in EN labeling for this single ingredient.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store airtight, cool, dry and away from light. Best aroma within 12–18 months. Reseal promptly after use.

Substitutes & Notes

Closest swaps: celery leaves (milder) or a mix of parsley + a pinch of celery seed (stronger—use sparingly).

FAQ

Is lovage the same as celery?
No—similar family and flavor direction, but lovage is stronger, more aromatic and slightly bitter.

When should I add it to soup?
Add a little early for depth, then a final pinch off-heat to lift aroma.

Can I replace fresh lovage with dried?
Yes. Use roughly 1 tsp dried for 1 Tbsp fresh and adjust to taste.

Merchant contact: Orlandosidee — Spice Shop (see site imprint for full company details). Email: info(at)orlandosidee.de