Cooking with Culinary Lavender
Most people are familiar with lavender in soaps, perfumes, or potpourri baskets, and for its medicinal or relaxation qualities. But, cooking with culinary lavender is a fun and interesting endeavor. Lavender is an herb with a long history of use dating back to Greek and Roman times. There are several different varieties available – some grown for commercial use and others for culinary use.
How do I use culinary lavender in cooking?
Culinary lavender flowers and leaves can be used fresh or dried and impart a slight mint, floral, and/or citrus flavor. It is wonderful and used in both sweet and savory dishes. Lavender pairs well with rosemary, thyme, sage, fennel, and oregano. A little lavender goes a long way, so start small and experiment a bit to find the desired amount.
In creamy or smooth dishes, use whole buds to infuse the flavor, then strain them out before finishing the dish. For rubs, grind a small amount in a spice grinder and combine with other complementary ingredients.
You can use fresh or dried buds, keeping in mind that dried will impart a more intense flavor as with any herb. When cooking with dried, reduce the amount by 2/3 of what is called for in fresh.
- Example: 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh = 1/2 teaspoon dried
Try lavender in or with:
- cream, custard, butter, ice cream, gelato, sorbet
- baked goods – scones, muffins, biscuits, cookies, shortbread
- frosting or glaze
- honey
- vinaigrettes
- herb and spice blends – sage, mint, rosemary, oregano, thyme, fennel, herbs de Provence, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, ginger
- fruit – berries, pears, peaches, citrus
- vegetables, ratatouille
- marinades or rubs for lamb and pork
- Provencal soups and stews
- Chocolate
- pistachio
- ground with sugar to decorate baked goods or rim of glasses
- infused into simple syrup lemonade, iced tea, and cocktails
- sparkling beverages (flower sprigs)
photo: iStock/ 62683214
photo: Love+Craft Kitchen
Where does lavender grow?
Lavender is most commonly associated with the south of France, but also grows in other areas of the Mediterranean, northern and eastern Africa, southwest Asia and southeast India.
Many states in the USA grow lavender, with the bulk of it grown in Oregon and Washington.
Where can I purchase it?
Purchase culinary lavender from a reliable source such as directly from a grower (farm or farmers market), a Middle Eastern retail store, or a spice shop such as Penzy’s.
For cooking, do not use lavender grown for commercial use, such as for potpourri or soap, as the flowers may be sprayed with chemicals and oils. Look for lavender labeled “culinary” or “for culinary use”.
FUN FACT
It is said that Queen Elizabeth I loved lavender. She insisted that lavender conserve be served regularly at the royal table and she drank lavender tea to ease migraine headaches
RECIPE
LAVENDER PANNA COTTA WITH LAVENDER BERRY COULIS
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Main photo: Love+Craft Kitchen
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