Cook with lovage for more quercetin.
Lovage is one of those garden herbs that are bold and strong growing. It looks like a huge Italian parsley plant and has flavors that also mimic parsley or celery. It survives the cold Minnesota winters and comes back each year with force.
This garden herb is one of the richest sources of quercetin.
Quercetin is a natural occurring substance that is found in plant pigments called flavonoids that give many fruits, flowers, and vegetables their colors. It is known to inhibit the release of histamine which is said to be responsible for the symptoms of allergies in addition to having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Here is a fabulous lovage soup recipe.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 bunch green onions, chopped or wild leeks
1 medium red or yellow onion, chopped
2 quarts chicken stock
5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped
1 cup lovage leaves, chopped
heavy cream (to serve)
Instructions
Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed stock pot over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in onions. Fry until translucent, about five minutes.
Pour in chicken stock and stir in chopped potatoes. Simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Stir in lovage and simmer, covered, another five or six minutes.
Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
Season with unrefined sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
Stir in a spoonful of heavy cream and serve.