Lavender is often associated with its calming scent and vibrant purple flowers, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy, home gardens, and beauty products. However, this versatile plant has found its way into the culinary world, where it adds a distinctive flavor to a variety of dishes. Culinary lavender, carefully selected from certain lavender varieties, can enhance both sweet and savory recipes. Let’s dive into the wonders of culinary lavender and explore how this aromatic herb can elevate your cooking.
What is Culinary Lavender?
Not all lavender is created equal. While all lavender is technically edible, culinary lavender is typically harvested from specific varieties such as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), known for its sweeter, more subtle flavor. These varieties have a lower concentration of camphor, a compound that gives some lavenders a strong, medicinal taste. When choosing lavender for your kitchen, make sure it's labeled "culinary" to ensure the best flavor profile for your dishes.
Culinary Lavender’s Flavor Profile
The flavor of culinary lavender can be described as slightly sweet and floral, with hints of rosemary and mint. It brings a subtle perfume-like quality to food, making it a unique addition to various recipes. However, a little goes a long way. Overusing lavender can result in a soapy or overpowering taste, so it’s best to start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
How to Use Culinary Lavender in Cooking
Lavender’s versatility in the kitchen allows it to pair well with both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some popular ways to incorporate culinary lavender into your meals:
1. Lavender-Infused Sugar and Honey
Lavender sugar or honey adds a floral twist to your morning tea, baked goods, or yogurt. To make lavender sugar, simply combine sugar with dried lavender buds in an airtight container and let it sit for a few weeks. For lavender honey, gently heat honey with lavender buds, strain, and store for future use.
2. Baked Goods and Desserts
Lavender pairs beautifully with classic desserts like shortbread, cakes, and scones. A dash of lavender in buttercream frosting or whipped cream can turn an ordinary dessert into something extraordinary. Lavender also works well in ice creams and sorbets, adding a sophisticated note to these sweet treats.
3. Herb Blends and Rubs
In savory dishes, lavender can be combined with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage to create fragrant herb blends. Herbes de Provence, a traditional French herb mix, often includes lavender and can be used to season meats, roasted vegetables, and sauces.
4. Lavender Lemonade and Cocktails
For a refreshing twist on your favorite drinks, lavender syrup can be added to lemonade, iced tea, or cocktails. The floral notes of lavender blend well with citrus, offering a fragrant yet light flavor that’s perfect for summer sipping.
5. Lavender-Infused Olive Oil or Vinegar
Infuse olive oil or vinegar with dried lavender buds for a unique dressing or marinade. Lavender-infused oils are excellent drizzled over grilled vegetables, salads, or seafood.
Health Benefits of Culinary Lavender
Lavender has long been prized for its calming properties, but it also offers several health benefits when used in cooking. It contains antioxidants, which can help combat inflammation and support overall wellness. Lavender is also known for its digestive properties, as it can help reduce bloating and promote relaxation. Additionally, the soothing scent of lavender can create a sense of calm and well-being, even during mealtime.
Harvesting and Storing Culinary Lavender
If you’re lucky enough to grow your own lavender, harvesting it for culinary use is simple. The best time to harvest lavender is when the flowers are in full bloom, but before they begin to fade. Cut the flower spikes in the morning after the dew has dried. Hang the lavender bunches upside down in a cool, dry place to dry them. Once fully dried, remove the buds and store them in an airtight container.
Cooking Tips for Using Lavender
- Start Small: Lavender’s flavor can be strong, so begin with small amounts and taste as you go.
- Pair Wisely: Lavender pairs well with citrus, berries, and other herbs like rosemary, thyme, and mint. Avoid using it with strong, bitter flavors that could compete with its delicate notes.
- Use Dried or Fresh: Both dried and fresh lavender can be used in cooking. However, dried lavender is more concentrated, so you may want to use less when using dried buds.
Conclusion
Culinary lavender is a wonderful ingredient that brings a delicate, floral flavor to an array of dishes. Whether you’re infusing lavender into sugar for your morning tea, baking lavender shortbread, or seasoning a savory dish, this versatile herb will elevate your cooking to new aromatic heights. With its calming properties and distinctive taste, lavender is a must-try for any food lover looking to add a touch of elegance to their kitchen creations.