lovage

herb

Also known as: Levisticum officinale

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lovage, (Levisticum officinale), perennial herb of the parsley family (Apiaceae) native to southern Europe. It is cultivated for its stalks and foliage, which are used for herbal tea, as a vegetable, and to flavour foods, particularly meats. Its rhizomes (underground stems) are used as a carminative and its seeds as flavouring in confectionery and liqueurs. Lovage has a sweet flavour similar to that of celery. Its essential oil is obtained from the flowering tops for use in perfumery and flavouring. The various parts of the plant have a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is the only member of the genus Levisticum.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.