Lavender has been used for centuries in cooking. In recent years, lavender has been rediscovered for the flavor it brings to the table.
For those who plan on baking with lavender, organic lavender can be purchased from a lavender farm. This is known as sweet lavender (lavandula angustifolia) and usually comes as prepackaged dried lavender buds suitable for use in lavender recipes. Bulk lavender can be obtained from local or online suppliers that cater to those who cook with lavender.
- English lavender is the sweetest variety and its floral flavor is particularly suited for baked goods
- Province lavender (a hybrid, known as lavandin) is also used in baking
Culinary lavender blends well with a variety of dishes, lending an aromatic aroma and flavor, which makes it a valued ingredient in baking or cooking.
Cooking with Lavender
- Lavender flowers, buds, and leaves can be used, either fresh, dried or ground, when baking with lavender
Lavender enhances foods and makes an excellent background flavor. The flowers lend a hint of mystery and color to dishes but lavender fragrance and flavor are strong so lavender should be used conservatively. Lavender recipes usually call for the inclusion of one or two teaspoons or tablespoons of lavender buds or flowers for usewhen baking with lavender.
Harvesting Homegrown Lavender
Those who have grown their own plants can harvest lavender flowers by selecting blooms that are in their prime and bursting with color.
- Freshness affects flavor so, when cooking with lavender, use flowers as soon as possible after picking
- Immerse lavender blooms in water to remove dirt and insects. Air dry on a clean towel or spin dry in a salad spinner.
Recipes Using Lavender
What can be made with Lavender? A flavored lavender sugar is delicious spread on toast or stirred into tea.
- Lavender Sugar--make lavender sugar by adding dried lavender flowers/buds to sugar, sealing, and allowing to sit for a couple of weeks. Dried lavender can be ground before adding to sugar.
- Lavender Infusion--Pour boiling water over lavender buds and allow to steep. Strain and use the liquid as a flavoring agent. This infusion is one method of baking with lavender, used to flavor cakes or muffins. Lavender infusion can also be added to punch, juice, or iced tea.
- Lavender Frosting--Lavender frosting is a special treat. When making icing, sprinkle in dried, ground lavender. Spread lavender icing on muffins, cakes or cookies.
- Lavender Whipped Cream--use lavender sugar to sweeten and flavor whipping cream.
Note: for lavender sugar or infusion and for lavender frosting, start out with 1 or 2 tsp. of lavender and adjust amounts to taste.
Sprinkle in a small amount of culinary lavender buds when brewing a pot of tea. Use sparingly to enhance the flavor of black or green tea.
Cooking with lavender lends a touch of the exotic. If you are ready to take it to the next level, why not try lavender pancakes?
Other tempting lavender recipes include lavender fudge and lavender shortbread.
Once you get used to baking with lavender, you'll find you add it to a wider range of dishes. Lavender cookbooks offer recipes using lavender for both sweet and savory dishes.
Whatever your preference, cooking with lavender adds a wonderful aromatic element to favorite foods.
