Lovage (Levisticum officinale) belongs to the Umbelliferae family (Apiaceae). The Latin name "levisticum" comes from the Greek "ligystigikón", which refers to the supposed place of origin of the herb in the Italian region of Liguria. In fact, however, the spice herb originates in the Near East and was used as an aphrodisiac, especially in the 16th century, hence the German name "Stöckel der Liebe". In France, the herb is also colloquially called "céleri bâtard", i.e. "false celery", because of its taste and appearance. The essential oils contained in lovage are reminiscent in their smell of the well-known Maggi seasoning, hence the equally common German name "Maggikraut", although the spice does not contain lovage.ält.

1. Visually, the leaves of lovage resemble the leaves of celery. The smell of lovage is similar, but compared to celery it is more intense and spicy, slightly bitter and sweet at the same time. Because of its strong aroma, Maggi herb is used as a seasoning herb in many soups, stews and hearty meat dishes. Lovage seeds are also used in the kitchen. For example, the seeds are added during the production of cheese as a natural flavoring agent, or used like caraway seeds in bread or rolls.

2. Lovage is an excellent seasoning herb for many hearty dishes as well as for meat dishes such as boiled beef, poultry and fish. The herb harmonizes very well with garlic.

3. For preparation in warm dishes, it is recommended to add the herb only towards the end of cooking, otherwise the herb loses some of its strong aroma. Both dried and fresh leaves can be used for cooking.

4. Dried lovage herbs should always be well sealed. Glasses with airtight closures are well suited. The herbs are best kept cool and dry and protected from direct sunlight.

5. Lovage can be helpful with digestive problems. In addition, an essential oil can be extracted from the fruit and the roots, which can be helpful with urinary tract infections, as well as with kidney stones. Lovage is also popularly used as an expectorant for colds. To brew a love potion from it seems to be just a rumor

Why are oleoresins used?

Unlike essential oils, oleoresins are not filtered or purified. This means that oleoresins contain considerably more flavor, which tastes even more typical of spices due to the natural, additionally contained component and is therefore organoleptically indistinguishable from a natural spice in the finished product.

Advantages of oleoresins:

- Typical taste

- Long shelf life

- High taste concentration

- Very universally applicable

- Very good distribution in finished products

- Excellent stability at high temperatures

- High price stability

- Virtually free of microorganisms