Lovage: The Herb You Never Knew You Needed (Until Now)
So, you're in Chicago, and you've got this sudden craving for lovage. Maybe you're a seasoned chef looking to elevate your dishes, or perhaps you're just a curious soul who's seen it on MasterChef and wants to impress your friends. Either way, you're in the right place (or at least, you will be after reading this).
Lovage: What's the Deal?
Lovage, for those who are new to the herb world, is basically celery's more sophisticated, aromatic cousin. It's got this complex flavor profile that's a mix of celery, parsley, and a hint of citrus. Imagine if celery and parsley had a love child and that child was incredibly stylish and had a great personality. That's lovage.
Where to Find This Elusive Herb in the Windy City
Now, let's get down to business. Where can you actually find this herb in Chicago? Well, it's not as common as your average basil or oregano, so you might have to do a little digging.
- Your Local Farmer's Market: If you're lucky enough to have a farmer's market near you, it's worth checking out. These markets are often a goldmine for unique and hard-to-find produce. Don't be afraid to ask the farmers if they have any lovage. They might look at you like you've grown a second head, but hey, you never know!
- Specialty Grocery Stores: Some upscale grocery stores might carry lovage, especially those with a strong focus on fresh produce and gourmet ingredients. Think Whole Foods or Mariano’s.
- Ethnic Markets: If you're lucky enough to have a Middle Eastern or Italian market nearby, they might carry lovage. These cultures often use lovage in their cooking, so it's worth a shot.
- Grow Your Own: If all else fails, you can always try growing your own lovage. It's a relatively easy-to-grow herb that loves sunny spots. Just be warned: it can get pretty tall, so you might need a bigger pot than you think.
How to Use Lovage
Once you've managed to get your hands on some lovage, you might be wondering what to do with it. Well, the possibilities are endless! You can use it to flavor soups, stews, and sauces. It's also great in salads, pesto, and even as a garnish.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure how much to use, start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Lovage can be quite potent.
FAQs
How to store lovage? Wrap the lovage stalks in a damp paper towel and store in the refrigerator.
How to dry lovage? Tie lovage stalks into small bunches and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place.
How to freeze lovage? Chop lovage and freeze in ice cube trays filled with water or olive oil.
How to use lovage in cooking? Lovage can be used in soups, stews, sauces, salads, pesto, and as a garnish.
How to grow lovage? Lovage prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground or start indoors in pots.
So there you have it, folks! Hopefully, this guide has enlightened you on the wonderful world of lovage. Happy cooking!