Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

Premium aromatic herb from Nilgiris hills - the "Maggi Plant" with intense celery-like flavor. Trusted indian spice traders and bulk spice suppliers offer this specialized spice merchant favorite through established bulk spices export networks. Rich in phthalides (2% essential oil), steam sterilized for export with complete quality documentation and phytosanitary certificates.

Export Quality Lovage from India's Premier Herb Growing Region - Trusted Indian Spice Trader & Bulk Supplier

Nilgiris lovage represents excellence in aromatic herb cultivation, thriving in the cool, misty highlands of Tamil Nadu at elevations above 1,500 meters. As a leading indian spice trader and bulk spice supplier, we utilize our merchant export model to source this premium "Maggi Plant" that undergoes traditional cultivation methods combined with modern organic farming practices, producing herbs with exceptional essential oil content (2%) and rich phthalide composition. Our network of spice manufacturers and spice wholesalers ensures carefully selected lovage meets international phytosanitary standards with complete export documentation including FSSAI, ISO 22000, and organic compliance certifications, establishing us as a trusted bulk spice and spice exporter.

The unique terroir of the Nilgiris hills, with its temperate climate and rich volcanic soils, creates ideal conditions for lovage cultivation. Our spice traders network and bulk spice suppliers infrastructure ensures competitive pricing while maintaining consistent quality through our certified hill station suppliers, enabling us to fulfill specialty herb orders from 100kg to container loads for gourmet food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and essential oil producers across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets. Through our established spice manufacturer partnerships and bulk indian spices sourcing capabilities, we serve as a reliable spice wholesaler utilizing merchant export expertise to deliver premium lovage from trusted spice suppliers.

Why Choose Our Lovage

Trusted Indian Spice Trader

As a leading spice merchant with deep expertise in Nilgiris aromatic herb cultivation, we leverage our extensive network of certified hill station suppliers to source the finest "Maggi Plant" lovage. Our merchant export model ensures direct access to premium herbs with exceptional essential oil content (2%) and rich phthalide composition, making us the preferred choice for bulk spice supplier requirements in specialty culinary applications.

Bulk Spice Supplier Excellence

Our comprehensive bulk spices export infrastructure supports orders from 100kg to container loads, serving gourmet food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and essential oil producers across 45+ countries. With established relationships among spice manufacturers and spice wholesalers, we ensure consistent supply of premium bulk spice meeting international phytosanitary standards and organic compliance certifications.

Global Spice Exporter Network

Through our merchant export capabilities and partnerships with certified spice suppliers, we facilitate seamless bulk indian spices distribution to North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets. Our spice trader expertise ensures competitive pricing while maintaining premium quality standards for authentic Nilgiris lovage with verified phthalide content and aromatic properties.

Quality Assurance Leadership

Our position as a trusted spice wholesaler is built on rigorous quality control measures, complete export documentation including FSSAI and ISO 22000 certifications, and adherence to international specialty herb standards. With direct sourcing from Nilgiris' pristine hill stations and comprehensive phytosanitary compliance, we deliver premium lovage that meets the demanding requirements of gourmet culinary and pharmaceutical applications worldwide.

Basic Information
Common Name:Lovage, Maggi Plant
Botanical Name:Levisticum officinale
Family:Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Origin:Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
Harvest Season:June to August (peak season)
Part Used:Leaves, stems, seeds, roots
Shelf Life:18 months (dried), 12 months (ground)
Multi-Language Names
Hindi:लवेज (Lavej), अजमोदा पत्र (Ajmoda Patra)
Tamil:லவேஜ் (Lavej), செலரி இலை (Celery Ilai)
Malayalam:ലവേജ് (Lavej), മാഗി ചെടി (Maggi Chedi)
French:Livèche, Ache des Montagnes
German:Liebstöckel, Maggikraut
Spanish:Levístico, Apio de Monte
Italian:Levistico, Sedano di Monte

Available Varieties & Types

Fresh Lovage Leaves (Premium Grade)

Hand-harvested young leaves with intense celery-parsley flavor and high essential oil content. Best for culinary applications.

Fresh Grade High Oil Tender Leaves
  • Oil Content: 2-2.5%
  • Harvest: Morning picked
  • Color: Deep green, glossy
  • Best For: Fresh culinary use, extract production
Dried Lovage Herb (Export Grade)

Carefully air-dried to retain maximum flavor and essential oil content. Ideal for long-term storage and export.

Export Grade Air Dried Extended Shelf
  • Moisture: 8-10%
  • Oil Content: 1.5-2%
  • Color: Dark green retained
  • Best For: Spice blends, herbal teas, exports
Lovage Seeds (Aromatic Grade)

Matured seeds with concentrated essential oils, similar to celery seeds but more intense flavor profile.

Aromatic Grade Concentrated 3-4mm Size
  • Size: 3-4mm length
  • Oil Content: 3-4%
  • Color: Brown to dark brown
  • Best For: Spice blends, flavoring, essential oil
Lovage Root (Medicinal Grade)

Dried roots with highest concentration of phthalides, traditionally used for medicinal and therapeutic applications.

Medicinal Grade High Phthalides 2-3 Year Root
  • Age: 2-3 year old roots
  • Phthalides: High ligustilide content
  • Form: Sliced and dried
  • Best For: Herbal medicine, extracts, tinctures

Form/Processing/Grade Options

Physical Forms

  • Fresh Leaves: Hand-picked young foliage, various grades
  • Dried Herb: Air-dried whole leaves and stems
  • Ground Powder: Fine powder, various mesh sizes
  • Essential Oil: Steam distilled oil with high phthalides

Processing Options

  • Air Dried: Traditional slow drying method
  • Low Heat Dried: Controlled temperature drying
  • Freeze Dried: Premium quality retention method
  • Steam Sterilized: Pathogen-free processing available

Complete Product Specifications

General Product Information
Parameter Specification Testing Method Remarks
Country of Origin India (Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu) Certificate of Origin Hill station cultivation above 1500m
Harvest Period June to August Farmer Records Peak season quality
Processing Method Air-dried, Steam sterilized optional Process Documentation Traditional + modern methods
Storage Conditions Cool, dry place, <60% RH Storage Guidelines Away from direct sunlight
Shelf Life 18 months (dried), 12 months (ground) Stability Studies Proper storage conditions
GMO Status Non-GMO Declaration Naturally grown, no genetic modification
Irradiation Not irradiated Process Declaration Natural processing only
Physical Parameters by Grade
Parameter Fresh Leaves Dried Herb Ground Powder Testing Method
Appearance Deep green, glossy Dark green, crisp Green to brown powder Visual inspection
Leaf Size 5-15 cm length Whole/broken leaves N/A Physical measurement
Moisture Content 75-85% 8-10% max 8-12% max Oven drying method
Foreign Matter 0.5% max 1% max 0.5% max Manual sorting
Broken/Damaged 2% max 5% max N/A Visual grading
Particle Size N/A N/A 40-80 mesh Sieve analysis
Bulk Density N/A 180-220 kg/m³ 300-400 kg/m³ Volume displacement
Chemical & Microbiological Parameters
Parameter Specification Testing Method Standard Reference
Essential Oil Content 1.5-2.5% (form dependent) Steam Distillation ISO 6571
Ligustilide Content 24-70% of essential oil GC-MS Analysis Phytochemical Standards
α-Terpinyl Acetate 26-52% of essential oil GC-MS Analysis Essential Oil Standards
β-Phellandrene 4-20% of essential oil GC-MS Analysis Monoterpene Analysis
Total Ash 12% max AOAC 942.05 Herbal Standards
Acid Insoluble Ash 3% max AOAC 941.12 Herbal Standards
Heavy Metals (Lead) <5.0 ppm ICP-MS WHO Guidelines
Heavy Metals (Cadmium) <0.3 ppm ICP-MS WHO Guidelines
Pesticide Residues Below MRL limits GC-MS/LC-MS EU/US/Japan MRL
Aflatoxins (Total) <4 ppb ELISA/LC-MS/MS EU Standards
Salmonella Absent in 25g USP Method USP <62>
Total Plate Count <10⁴ cfu/g Plate Count Method WHO Standards
Packaging & Container Loading Options
Package Type Weight Options Material MOQ Container Load
Multiwall Paper Bags 10kg, 25kg Food grade kraft paper with PE liner 100 kg 12-14 MT (20ft FCL)
Polypropylene Bags 5kg, 10kg, 25kg Virgin PP woven bags with PE liner 100 kg 14-16 MT (20ft FCL)
Aluminum Foil Pouches 1kg, 5kg Multi-layer laminated foil pouches 50 kg Extended shelf life packaging
Consumer Retail Packs 50g, 100g, 250g, 500g Stand-up pouches with zip lock 1000 pcs As per pack size
Glass Jars 100g, 200g, 500g Amber glass jars with airtight lids 2000 pcs Premium retail packaging
Vacuum Packed 500g, 1kg, 2kg Multi-layer barrier films 50 kg Maximum freshness retention
Bulk FIBC Bags 200kg, 500kg Food grade FIBC with liner 1000 kg 10-12 MT (20ft FCL)
HS Code & Export Classification
Product Form HS Code Required Documentation Additional Notes
Fresh Lovage Leaves 0709.99.90 Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Origin Fresh vegetables category
Dried Lovage Herb 1211.90.20 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Medicinal plants and herbs
Lovage Powder (Ground) 1211.90.20 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Processed herb powder
Lovage Seeds 0909.62.00 Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate Seeds of anise, fennel, coriander
Lovage Essential Oil 3301.29.30 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Essential oils for therapeutic use
Lovage Extracts 1302.19.90 Certificate of Origin, COA, Composition Report Vegetable extracts
Lovage Tea Blends 0902.00.00 Certificate of Origin, Blend Composition Herbal tea preparations
Standard Export Documents
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce)
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (Plant Quarantine)
  • Quality Analysis Report (Lab Tested)
  • FSSAI License Copy
  • Organic Certificate (if applicable)
Market-Specific Requirements
  • USA: FDA Prior Notice, Lacey Act compliance
  • EU: Novel Food regulation, pesticide residue certificates
  • Japan: MOH Import notification, radioactivity certificate
  • Australia: AQIS import permit, quarantine requirements
  • Canada: CFIA compliance, organic certification (if applicable)
  • UK: DEFRA import license, phytosanitary requirements

Products Available (Made from Lovage)

Various value-added products derived from premium lovage for different culinary, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.

Lovage Powder

Fine ground powder from dried leaves, 40-80 mesh for culinary and industrial applications.

40-80 Mesh
Lovage Essential Oil

Steam distilled oil rich in ligustilide and phthalides for aromatherapy and flavoring.

2% Yield
Lovage Extract

Concentrated herbal extract with standardized phthalide content for pharmaceutical use.

Standardized
Cut & Sifted Lovage

Uniformly cut dried herb for tea blending and herbal product manufacturing.

Tea Grade
Lovage Seasoning Blends

Custom herb blends with lovage for specific culinary applications and restaurant use.

Custom Blend
Lovage Herbal Tea

Premium herbal tea blends with lovage for digestive wellness and aromatic enjoyment.

Wellness Tea
Lovage Cosmetic Grade

Specially processed lovage for cosmetic and personal care product manufacturing.

Cosmetic Grade
Organic Lovage Products

Certified organic lovage and derived products for health-conscious consumers and premium markets.

Organic Certified

Usage & Applications

Gourmet Cooking & Fine Dining

Intense celery-parsley flavor enhancement for soups, stocks, and sauces. Used by gourmet chefs for its distinctive umami-like taste and aromatic properties.

Form: Fresh leaves, dried herb, essential oil | Usage: Fresh preferred for maximum flavor impact
Soup & Broth Manufacturing

Natural flavor enhancer for commercial soup bases, instant broths, and bouillon cubes. Provides deep, savory flavor profile similar to but more intense than celery.

Grade: Dried herb and powder preferred | Applications: Instant soups, flavor bases, seasoning mixes
Herbal Tea Blending

Aromatic component in digestive tea blends and wellness teas. Combines well with other herbs for traditional medicinal tea preparations.

Usage: Cut & sifted, tea grade quality | Blends: Digestive teas, wellness blends, aromatic combinations
International Cuisine

Traditional ingredient in European cuisines, particularly German and Central European cooking. Growing popularity in fusion and international restaurants.

Uses: Fresh and dried forms | Regional: German cuisine, European traditional dishes, modern fusion cooking
Food Processing Industry

Natural flavoring agent in processed foods, ready meals, and snack seasonings. Celery substitute in products requiring intense herbal flavor.

Form: Powder, extract, essential oil | Products: Seasonings, flavor enhancers, natural additives
Essential Oil Production

Source for high-quality essential oil with unique phthalide composition. Used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and therapeutic applications.

Oil Content: 2% yield from fresh material | Applications: Aromatherapy, perfumery, therapeutic products
Seasoning Blend Manufacturing

Key component in herb seasonings, soup mixes, and specialty spice blends for retail and food service markets.

Form: Dried herb, powder | Blends: Herb seasonings, soup mixes, culinary blends
Export & Distribution

Growing international demand for specialty herbs in premium food markets, health food stores, and gourmet retailers worldwide.

Markets: Europe, North America, Australia | Segments: Specialty foods, health products, gourmet markets
Traditional Herbal Medicine

Traditional use for digestive health, respiratory support, and diuretic properties. Rich in phthalides with potential therapeutic benefits.

Active: Ligustilide, phthalides, essential oils | Uses: Digestive support, respiratory wellness, traditional formulations
Nutraceutical Industry

Standardized extracts for dietary supplements and functional food applications. Growing research interest in phthalide compounds.

Standardized: Phthalide content, essential oil percentage | Applications: Herbal supplements, functional foods
Aromatherapy & Wellness

Essential oil used in aromatherapy for relaxation and stress relief. Traditional associations with emotional wellness and mental clarity.

Form: Essential oil, herbal preparations | Uses: Aromatherapy, wellness products, stress relief
Research & Development

Scientific research on phthalide compounds, antioxidant properties, and potential therapeutic applications in modern medicine.

Research Areas: Phthalide bioactivity, antioxidant properties, therapeutic potential
Cosmetic Industry

Essential oil and extracts in skincare formulations, hair care products, and natural cosmetics for aromatic and conditioning properties.

Extract: Essential oil, aqueous extracts | Products: Hair conditioners, skincare, natural cosmetics
Organic & Natural Products

Certified organic lovage for premium natural product lines, health food markets, and eco-conscious consumer segments.

Certification: Organic standards compliance | Market: Premium natural products, health food stores
Home & Garden Applications

Companion planting benefits, natural pest deterrent properties, and ornamental herb garden cultivation for educational and hobby markets.

Uses: Companion planting, pest control, ornamental gardening, educational programs
Beverage Industry

Flavoring agent in herbal beverages, health drinks, and specialty cocktail mixers. Unique flavor profile for innovative beverage applications.

Form: Essential oil, extracts | Applications: Herbal drinks, specialty beverages, cocktail mixers

Frequently Asked Questions

The Nilgiris hills of Tamil Nadu provide ideal temperate conditions for lovage cultivation with cool temperatures (15-25°C), high humidity, and rich volcanic soils. The elevation above 1,500 meters creates a unique microclimate that concentrates essential oils and enhances the herb's distinctive celery-parsley flavor profile. Our traditional cultivation methods combined with organic practices result in lovage with superior phthalide content (2% essential oil) compared to lowland varieties.
Lovage has a much more intense, concentrated flavor than celery - often described as "celery on steroids." It contains higher levels of essential oils (2% vs. celery's 0.1-0.3%) and unique phthalide compounds like ligustilide that give it a distinctive umami-like quality and slight mouth-tingling effect. A small amount of lovage provides the flavor equivalent of much larger quantities of celery, making it valuable for seasoning blends and concentrated flavor applications.
We maintain strict quality protocols including pre-harvest field inspections, post-harvest processing controls, and laboratory testing for essential oil content, moisture levels, and contamination. All lovage undergoes testing for pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbiological safety. We provide complete documentation including quality analysis reports, phytosanitary certificates, and organic certifications where applicable. Our processing facilities follow HACCP protocols and maintain FSSAI licensing.
Minimum orders vary by product form: Fresh leaves 50kg, dried herb 100kg, ground powder 50kg, essential oil 1kg. For specialty processing or custom blends, minimum quantities are negotiable based on requirements. We offer consolidated shipping for mixed orders and can accommodate smaller quantities for trial orders with adjusted pricing. Lead times range from 7-21 days depending on processing requirements and seasonal availability.
Yes, we provide free samples up to 100g for quality evaluation, including fresh, dried, and powdered forms. Samples include complete specification sheets, essential oil analysis, and processing information. Commercial shipments include comprehensive documentation: quality analysis reports, phytosanitary certificates, certificate of origin, FSSAI compliance documents, and any market-specific requirements such as organic certificates or pesticide residue reports.
Fresh lovage is harvested from June to August during peak growing season in the Nilgiris. Dried herb and processed products are available year-round. Optimal storage conditions: temperature below 20°C, relative humidity below 60%, protection from direct light, and pest-free environment. Dried lovage maintains quality for 18 months, ground powder for 12 months. We recommend first-in-first-out inventory rotation and can provide nitrogen flushing for extended shelf life requirements.
Yes, we offer certified organic lovage with NPOP (India), USDA Organic, and EU Organic certifications. Our organic suppliers follow strict guidelines including no synthetic pesticides/fertilizers, three-year transition period verification, and regular third-party inspections. We also provide sustainably sourced lovage through our partner farms practicing regenerative agriculture, fair trade principles, and environmental conservation. Organic lovage typically commands 20-25% premium pricing over conventional varieties.