Lovage, with its vibrant flavor reminiscent of celery and parsley, is a wonderful herb to have on hand. As the cooler months approach, you might find yourself wishing you could retain its fresh, summery taste. Good news! Preserving lovage is not only possible, but it’s also quite simple. Here’s how you can keep this delightful herb at its best throughout the winter, ensuring you can enjoy its fresh, lively flavor any time you wish.

Why Preserve Lovage?

Preserving lovage allows you to enjoy its fresh, aromatic flavor all year round, not just during its growing season. It’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to soups, stews, and other dishes when fresh herbs are harder to come by.

Methods of Preservation

1. Drying:

• Preparation: Begin by washing the lovage leaves and patting them dry. Make sure they are completely free of moisture to avoid any mold.

• Drying Process: Arrange the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet. You can air dry them, use a dehydrator, or place them in an oven set to the lowest temperature. It typically takes a few hours, but ensure the leaves retain their green color and don’t burn.

• Storage: Once dried, crumble the leaves and store them in an airtight container. Keep in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavor.

2. Freezing:

• Preparation: Wash and chop the lovage leaves. Blot dry.

• Freezing Process: For best results, blanch the chopped leaves for a few seconds in boiling water, then plunge into ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.

• Storage: Spread the blanched leaves on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to airtight bags or containers. Frozen lovage will retain most of its flavor and can be used directly from the freezer.

Tips for Using Preserved Lovage

• Cooking: Dried lovage is more concentrated in flavor, so use it sparingly. It’s ideal for adding depth to winter broths and stocks.

• Freezing: Frozen lovage is great in dishes where you want a fresher, brighter flavor. Add it to your cooking without thawing for the best texture and flavor infusion.

Why You’ll Love It

Preserving lovage is not just practical—it’s also a delightful way to bring the essence of summer into your winter kitchen. Whether dried or frozen, lovage adds a unique flavor that can transform a simple meal into something special. Plus, using preserved lovage is a fantastic way to enhance your dishes with minimal effort.

Embrace this simple preservation method and ensure you have a stockpile of lovage ready to brighten up your meals during the colder months. Happy cooking!