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Preserving Lovage: Capture Summer’s Flavor for Winter Delight

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

Drying is one of the most effective ways to preserve the vibrant flavor of lovage. Follow these steps for the best results.

Preparation

Washing: Begin by washing the lovage leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or pests.
Drying: Pat the leaves dry with a clean towel, ensuring they are completely free of moisture to avoid any mold formation.

Drying Process

Air Drying: Arrange the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and let them air dry in a warm, dry place. This process can take several days.
Dehydrator: If you have a dehydrator, use it to dry the lovage leaves more quickly. Set it to a low temperature and check periodically until the leaves are crispy.
Oven Drying: Alternatively, place the leaves in an oven set to the lowest temperature. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, which can happen if the oven is too hot. This typically takes a few hours.

Storage

Crumbled Leaves: Once dried, crumble the leaves by hand or with a mortar and pestle.
Airtight Container: Store the crumbled lovage in an airtight container, preferably a glass jar with a tight lid.
Cool, Dark Place: Keep the container in a cool, dark place to maintain the herb’s flavor and color.

2. Freezing

Freezing lovage is another excellent method that preserves much of its fresh taste and bright green color.

Preparation

Washing and Chopping: Wash the lovage leaves thoroughly and chop them into desired sizes.
Drying: Blot the chopped leaves dry with a clean towel.

Freezing Process

Blanching: For best results, blanch the chopped leaves for a few seconds in boiling water. This process helps preserve the color and flavor.
Ice Water Bath: Immediately plunge the blanched leaves into ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.
Pre-freezing: Spread the blanched leaves on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them individually. This prevents the leaves from clumping together.
Final Storage: Once frozen, transfer the leaves to airtight bags or containers. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Tips for Using Preserved Lovage

Cooking with Dried Lovage

Concentrated Flavor: Dried lovage has a more concentrated flavor than fresh, so use it sparingly. A little goes a long way.
Broths and Stocks: It’s ideal for adding depth to winter broths, stocks, and slow-cooked dishes.

Cooking with Frozen Lovage

Fresh Taste: Frozen lovage retains much of its fresh flavor and is perfect for dishes where you want a brighter taste.
Direct Use: Add frozen lovage directly to your cooking without thawing for the best texture and flavor infusion.

Why You’ll Love Preserved Lovage

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use the Stems of Lovage?

Yes, the stems of lovage can be used much like celery. They can be chopped and added to soups, stews, and stocks for extra flavor.

How Long Does Preserved Lovage Last?

Dried Lovage: If stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, dried lovage can last up to a year.
Frozen Lovage: Frozen lovage will maintain its best quality for about 6-8 months, though it will still be safe to use beyond that time.

Do I Need to Blanch Lovage Before Freezing?

Blanching is recommended as it helps preserve the color, flavor, and nutritional value of the lovage. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can freeze lovage without blanching, though it may lose some of its vibrancy.

Can I Use Preserved Lovage in Salads?

Dried lovage is typically not used in salads due to its concentrated flavor. However, frozen lovage can be thawed and used in cold dishes like salads, but it is best used in cooked dishes where its flavor can meld with other ingredients.

By preserving lovage, you ensure that you have a versatile and flavorful herb on hand to elevate your cooking throughout the year. Whether you prefer drying or freezing, these methods will help you capture the essence of summer and enjoy it during the colder months.