It smells like maggi and makes the broth taste great. You can grow it in the garden and on the windowsill

In the past, the basis of liquid spices was herb extract. Today it is mainly salt, extracts and flavors. However, the characteristic smell still remained, associated primarily with Sunday chicken soup. The intense scent is nothing else than the smell of lovage, also known as the “herb of love”. It has been known for a long time, so it is worth planting it in your home herbarium.

What is lovage good for? Properties not only in the kitchen

Lovage root is known for its health properties and is also considered by many to be a great aphrodisiac. The most important thing, however, are the dark green leaves, which look a bit like parsley leaves. They give the dishes an intense and characteristic aroma, enriching it with the umami taste. Lovage is great not only as an addition to soups and sauces, but also to salads.

Lovage Photo yashima / flickr.com, CC BY-SA 2.0

When to plant lovage and how to care for it? It will work great on the windowsill, but also in the garden

Lovage is successful both on the windowsill and in. It is not demanding, you just need to provide it with enough space to grow and access to light. prefers sunny or slightly shaded places. It also requires regular watering, especially during the growth period and on hot days. However, be careful not to overflow it.

When to plant lovage? You can sow the seeds directly into a pot or prepare seedlings from them. It is best to do this by the end of March or in April. If you miss the deadline, wait until August to plant. Then the seeds germinate better and they grow into more durable seedlings. Lovage sown in spring will emerge after about 20-30 days. The one sown in August will appear only in early spring of the following year. Place the seeds in holes in the ground to a depth of about 2-3 cm in rows every 35-40 centimeters or in containers. Remember to fertilize, especially during the growth period. If you feel like it, vote in our poll below.