Harvest lovage: when and how?

Lovage, the aromatic Maggi herb, is one of the most popular spices in German cuisine. Which parts can be used? When and how should you harvest lovage? We have put together the most important facts for you.

Spice with healing powers

Lovage grows everywhere in German gardens. It is easy to care for and hardly any housewife wants to do without the aromatic taste of the aromatic herbs. It refines egg dishes, fish, hearty soups and should not be missing in mushroom dishes.
Many people only know the plant as Maggi herb. In some regions the names celery herb, nerve herb or gout stick are common. The medicinal and aromatic herbs are already described in centuries-old herbal books.
Lovage is used as a medicinal herb in:

• Indigestion
• Flatulence
• Urinary tract infections
• Menstrual cramps
• Skin problems

Attention: Lovage has a relaxing and blood circulation-promoting effect. Pregnant women should avoid excessive consumption.

Usable plant parts

The leaves and seeds are mainly used to flavor dishes. The aromatic taste of the lovage is based on the essential oils it contains. In naturopathy, leaves, fruits and roots are used.

Harvest the leaves

The feathery lovage leaves can be harvested fresh from spring to autumn. You can cut the leaves off the plant just before preparing the food. Regular harvest stimulates the plant to develop new shoots. If you rub the leaves between your fingers, the celery scent comes out, which is responsible for the name "celery herb".

Instructions:

• Choose a dry morning for harvest in late May or early June.
• Separate the leaves with a sharp knife.
• Make small bouquets.
• Hang these up in an airy place to dry.
• Store dried maggi herb in tightly sealable containers. It retains its strong, spicy taste for several months.
• You can freeze the shredded herb and use it as needed.

Did you know that lovage can be prepared like vegetables? Briefly boil the herb. The taste is reminiscent of celery. Dried or fresh Maggi herb is suitable for seasoning or for making tea. Lovage tea is used to relieve digestive problems, for drainage and for urinary tract infections.

Harvest the roots

The best time to harvest the roots is in spring or late autumn. In medicine, the roots and seeds are mainly used. The roots contain valuable essential oils. Even in dried root parts, the content is very high. Only after three years is it worth harvesting the roots of the lovage.

Instructions:

• Dig up the plant in fall or spring
• Separate the roots from the plant
• Clean up the roots
• Cut the roots into slices or small pieces
• Place these on a kitchen towel to dry
• Turn the lovage slices regularly until they are completely dry

The dried root pieces can be made into a tea.

Harvest the seeds

The lovage plant blooms with yellow flowers. The seeds develop in late summer. When they are brown, you can harvest the lovage seeds.

Instructions:

• Cut off the dead flowers
• Catch the seeds with a bag
• Spread the collected seeds on a kitchen towel to dry
• Store the dried seeds in a sealable container made of glass or ceramic

The seeds of the Maggi herb can be used for seasoning. Use it to refine salads or make herb butter with lovage seeds. Lovage seeds are suitable for the preparation of a digestive, draining tea.

Tip: In the past, lovage was used as a bath additive due to its skin-caring and skin-cleansing properties. Enjoy the relaxing effect of the essential oils of the "nerve herbs" in a hot bath.

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