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    Lavender recipes

    Lavender 101

    Edible flowers 101

    You may be surprised to learn that lavender is not only edible but also has a long history of being used in cooking and baking and teas. The flower’s fragrance is delicate and pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some tips and best practices on how to incorporate lavender into your culinary creations! We find lavender so delicious we included it in our top 10 Best Tasting Edible Flowers list.

    tall tea latte on a cutting board in a clear glass topped with frothed lavender milk and lavender sprig in front of sheer white curtains

    What is lavender and what’s special about it?

    Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Lavender is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cosmetics. The most widely cultivated species, Lavandula angustifolia ( often just referred to as lavender ) and  is also a color, named after the shade of the flowers of this species. In this blog post, we will explore the many culinary uses of lavender.

    close up image of a small frosted cake sliced in the middle to show tea infused layers topped with pink peonies with a pink background

    How to prepare lavender for culinary use:

    You can eat all parts of lavender straight from the garden raw if you desire. Most people do not consume lavender this way as its flavor is strong and can be quite bitter. However, when prepared properly, it’s truly magnificent and can be compared to flavorful herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano.

    How to prepare lavender for savory dishes:

    To use lavender in savory dishes, try using dried lavender leaves or stems instead of the flowers. Hang your freshly trimmed lavender from its stem upside down like you would drying other flowers or herbs. Most of the flavor from lavender comes directly from the leaves, so use very sparingly.

    How to prepare lavender for sweet dishes:

    Lavender goes well with fruits like oranges, lemons, berries, and stone fruit. We fell in love with this Lavender Apricot Cake and Lavender Peach Pie. It is a perfect complement to raw honey and lemons, which is why lavender, lemon, and honey combinations are so popular. We love this combination in our Lavender Lemon Honey Bars and Lavender Honey Bees Knees Cocktail. Don’t forget to pair it with other citrus for a unique and unforgettable experience. Lavender is also a very popular flavor in drinks and cocktails. When turned into a syrup, it makes an excellent sweetener in just about anything. And last but not least, don’t forget that lavender can also be used directly in baking and frozen treats! Our readers swear by our Lavender Honey Ice cream. Some of our favorite recipes that feature lavender are these Lavender Shortbread Cookies and this Lavender Earl Grey Cake.

    cover image of lavender apricot cake on wooden cake stand small white cake drizzled in honey with apricots on top and small roses

    How to prepare lavender tea:

    Lavender is most commonly prepared and consumed in tea or tea blends. Lavender is also becoming very popular in Lavender Iced Coffee and Lavender Lattes. You can see it highlighted in our Lavender London fog latte and comprehensive post about The Best Flowers For Tea.

    How to brew lavender tea:

    1. Boil 8 oz. of water.
    2. Place 4 tsp. of fresh lavender buds into a tea ball or sachet.
    3. Place the tea ball and water into a teacup.
    4. Let steep for 3-5 minutes.
    5. Optionally add lavender infused honey, a lavender sugar cube, or some lavender milk.
    6. Enjoy!

     

    Here are some more simple way to enjoy lavender.

    – Add lavender flowers to sugar cookies or shortbread for a lovely floral flavor. Be sure to remove the stems before adding the flowers to your dough.
    – For savory dishes, try adding a pinch of dried lavender to your favorite roast chicken recipe. The herb will add a subtle flavor that pairs well with the chicken’s natural flavors.
    – Use lavender sugar or honey in tea or coffee for a delightful floral twist on your morning cup of joe. Or, try making lavender lemonade by adding a few drops of lavender infused honey to your favorite recipe.
    – Make a batch of lavender-infused olive oil by adding a few sprigs of fresh lavender to a glass jar filled with extra virgin olive oil. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 24 hours before using it in recipes.
    – Create an herbed salt by mixing equal parts dried lavender and kosher salt. Use it as you would any other type of salt – on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, etc.

    What happens if you eat lavender:

    Lavender is not dangerous and is actually quite beneficial to consume! Lavender has been shown to have antibacterial, anti fungal, and antiviral properties. It has also been used to treat anxiety, insomnia and promote calmness for a restful sleep.

    close up image of crystal glass filled with clear cocktail with a lavender sprig and lemon slice

    Conclusion:

    I hope these tips have inspired you to experiment with cooking with lavender. Remember, start with just a small amount and increase as desired. Have fun and enjoy! Be sure to let us know how it goes in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more recipes that feature this fragrant herb, be sure to check out our category on Lavender recipes for perfectly tested lavender infused recipes.

     

    Frequently asked questions:

    What is a lavender flower?

    Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. The flowers refer to the purple buds that bloom on top of the stem.

    Where is lavender from?

    It is native to the Old World and is found in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, and from Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to India.