LOVAGE
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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Lovage is a aromatic perennial with dark green, shiny leaves and straight,
     hollow  stem. It bears clusters of yellow flowers. Lovage grows to about 6
     feet in height.

     Lovage  needs full sun, or partial shade.  The soil should be rich, moist,
     and well drained. Sow fresh ripe seeds in late summer. Germination time is
     about 21 days, and plant matures in about 40 days. Grows in zone 5-8. Take
     root  cuttings in spring or autumn. To encourage production of leaves, and
     to  keep  the plant down in height of  about  2 feet, cut the flower stalk
     when  it appears in late spring. Thin  and transplant to 2 feet apart. Tie
     straw  around  stem  2-3  weeks  before  harvesting  for  blanched  tender
     vegetable.

     Pick  leaves  as  needed, but retain  young  central  leaves. Gather young
     blanched  stem in spring. Dig second and third season roots before flowers
     open each year. Freeze or dry leaves, and dry seeds and roots.


                                   CULINARY USES:
     Lovage  is  the preeminent soup herb, just  the  herb to simmer in chicken
     broth with onions and carrots. Use lovage sparingly until you are familiar
     with  there  potency  and powerful flavor.  The  taste  of lovage does not
     dissipate  with  cooking.  Fresh leaves can  be  used with potatoes in all
     forms. The leaves and stem have a meaty flavor. Dry seeds may be harvested
     as a celery seed substitute, or crush seeds into bread.

     Drink  the tea for its savory taste. It has a pleasant flavor like parsley
     and  celery.  Young  lovage  leaves and  stalks,  chopped  and simmered in
     boiling,  salted  water until tender, make  a good vegetable on their own.
     Serve  with  butter or white sauce. They  can  also be used to enhance the
     flavor  of a green salad. SOUFFLE  OMELETTE WITH LOVAGE FILLING : Separate
     egg  white  and  yolks of 2 large eggs,  beat  the white until stiff. In a
     separate bowl beat the yolks, season with salt and pepper, add 2 teaspoons
     of  fresh, or 1 tablespoon dried  chopped lovage leaves. Fold this mixture
     into the beaten whites. Melt knob of butter in an pan, pour in the mixture
     and allow to set on bottom. Loosen the edges and fold over gently.


                                   MEDICAL  USES:
     A  cordial is made by steeping fresh lovage seeds in brandy, sweetening it
     with sugar and then drinking it to settle an upset stomach.

     Because  of its antiseptic properties, lovage  can be used to treat wounds
     and  a  tea  made from lovage  leaves  has a cleansing effect particularly
     beneficial  for  the kidneys. Lovage root  is  a carminative an agent that
     helps break up and expel intestinal gas.

                                      WARNING:
     Large  quantities  should  not be taken  by  pregnant  women, or by people
     suffering kidney disease.

                                    OTHER  USES:
     Arrange fresh leaves and stem in a clear, tall vase.

                                  COSMETIC  USES:
     Lovage  acts  as a deodorant, and a  few  crushed leaves added to the bath
     water  have  a  refreshing effect. To deodorize  your  feet soak them in a
     strong decoction of lovage.