Snip, Sniff, & Savor: The Delightful World of Lovage Picking in the Netherlands!

Picture this: the crisp Dutch air, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re about to harvest something truly special with your own two hands. We’re talking about Lovage, the unsung hero of the herb garden, and a delightful find on many pick-your-own farms across the Netherlands!

There’s something incredibly therapeutic about escaping the hustle and bustle and heading to a verdant farm, basket in hand. As you wander through rows of lush green plants, you’ll inevitably catch that distinctive, robust aroma – a glorious blend of celery, parsley, and a hint of something deeper, almost like a savory stock cube. That’s lovage announcing its presence!

Whether you’re embarking on a solo culinary adventure, enjoying a peaceful afternoon with a friend, or creating cherished memories with the family (kids absolutely love the treasure hunt aspect of finding the perfect sprigs!), the act of snipping fresh lovage is pure joy. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the simple pleasure of bringing food directly from the earth to your table. Plus, nothing beats the bragging rights of saying, “I picked these myself!”

Bringing the Garden Home: Using Your Fresh Lovage

So, you’ve returned from your Dutch farm adventure with a fragrant bounty of lovage. Now for the fun part: unleashing its magic in your kitchen! Be warned, lovage is a powerhouse of flavor – a little goes a long way. Think of it as a super-charged celery, ready to add depth and zing to a multitude of dishes.

General Usage Tips:

  • Substitute: Use it anywhere you’d use celery, but in smaller quantities, for an intensified savory punch.
  • Stocks & Soups: It’s a natural for adding rich, umami notes to broths, stews, and vegetable soups.
  • Salads: Finely chop a few leaves to add a vibrant, peppery kick.
  • Root Vegetables: Pairs wonderfully with potatoes, carrots, and parsnips.
  • Seasoning: A fantastic addition to marinades for chicken or fish, or sprinkled over roasted vegetables.

Two Recipes to Make Your Lovage Sing!

1. Cozy Lovage & Potato Soup (Serves 4)

This comforting soup allows the lovage to shine, blending beautifully with the earthiness of potatoes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 750g potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 litre vegetable broth
  • A handful of fresh lovage leaves (about 1/4 cup chopped), plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the chopped lovage leaves.
  5. Carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a regular blender (be cautious with hot liquids!).
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, if using, and heat gently for a minute (do not boil).
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with a few fresh lovage leaves.

2. Vibrant Lovage Pesto (Yields about 1 cup)

A unique and punchy pesto that’s fantastic on pasta, sandwiches, or even as a dip.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh lovage leaves, packed
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts/almonds for a nuttier flavour)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (or more, to achieve desired consistency)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, combine the lovage leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
  2. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
  3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick but spreadable.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, or can be frozen for longer storage. Enjoy on pasta, crusty bread, grilled chicken, or even stirred into scrambled eggs!

An Herbal Elixir: Soothing Lovage & Lemon Tea

Lovage isn’t just for cooking; it makes a surprisingly refreshing and earthy tea!

Ingredients:

  • A small handful of fresh lovage leaves (about 5-7 large leaves)
  • 1 cup hot water (just off the boil)
  • 1 slice of lemon
  • Honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Place the lovage leaves in a mug.
  2. Pour the hot water over the leaves.
  3. Let steep for 5-7 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.
  4. Strain the leaves if desired, or leave them in for continuous steeping.
  5. Add a slice of lemon and sweeten with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
  6. Sip and enjoy the calming, savory notes.

Stir It Up: The “Dutch Garden” Spritz Cocktail

Ready to get creative? Lovage’s savory notes make it a surprisingly brilliant addition to cocktails, especially those with an herbal or botanical base like gin.

Ingredients:

  • 2 fresh lovage leaves, plus a small sprig for garnish
  • 60 ml (2 oz) good quality gin
  • 20 ml (0.75 oz) fresh lime juice
  • 15 ml (0.5 oz) simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
  • Soda water, to top
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Place the two lovage leaves in a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle them to release their aromatic oils.
  2. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into an ice-filled highball or gin glass.
  5. Top with soda water.
  6. Garnish with a fresh sprig of lovage.
  7. Sip and be transported to a vibrant Dutch garden with this refreshing, herbaceous twist!

So, next time you’re in the Netherlands, keep an eye out for a lovage picking farm. It’s more than just an herb; it’s an experience, a connection to the earth, and a ticket to some seriously delicious kitchen adventures! Your taste buds (and your spirit) will thank you.