Dried lavender is valued for its calming aroma and vibrant color, making it popular for culinary applications, aromatic sachets, and medicinal preparations. Preserving its freshness and potency requires meticulous storage to protect the delicate volatile essential oils. Without proper measures, these compounds, primarily linalool and linalyl acetate, quickly degrade, leading to faded color and a diminished fragrance. Maintaining the integrity of the dried herb requires controlling environmental conditions and the physical container used for preservation.
Essential Preparation Steps
The longevity of stored lavender begins with ensuring the material is completely cured before it enters a container. Residual moisture is the greatest threat, as it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew development that can ruin the entire batch. The initial drying process must be followed by a final test for dryness to confirm the material is ready for storage.
To check for readiness, the stems should snap cleanly and not bend or feel pliable. The flower buds should also easily separate from the stem when lightly rubbed. Once fully dried, separate the small flower buds, or “grains,” from the bulkier stems. Storing the buds alone is more efficient because they contain the highest concentration of volatile oils and take up less space than whole stalks.
Selecting the Ideal Storage Container
An airtight seal is paramount for storage, as it prevents the absorption of ambient humidity that can reactivate moisture content and lead to spoilage. Air exposure also allows the slow evaporation of essential oils, diminishing the herb’s potency over time.
Airtight glass jars with rubber-sealed lids or metal tins are the most effective options for long-term storage, providing a reliable barrier against air and moisture. While glass jars allow for easy monitoring, dark or opaque containers are preferable because they block light, preserving color and oil potency. Containers intended for short-term use, such as breathable muslin or fabric sachets, should not be used for long-term preservation since they permit the rapid escape of aromatic compounds.
Environmental Factors for Long-Term Preservation
The location of the storage container is important, as three environmental threats—light, heat, and humidity—must be mitigated. Light, especially ultraviolet (UV) light, acts as a catalyst for the breakdown of chemical compounds, causing the vibrant color to fade and the essential oils to degrade. Storing containers in a dark pantry, cupboard, or closet protects the material from this exposure.
Heat accelerates the evaporation rate of volatile oils, causing the fragrance to dissipate faster. The ideal temperature range for long-term storage is consistently cool, generally between 60°F and 70°F, and away from heat sources like ovens or windows. High humidity is the third major risk, as moisture reintroduction can lead to mold growth and a musty odor.
A storage area with humidity levels below 50% is required to maintain the lavender’s stability, making a dark, cool, dry cabinet an ideal choice. When stored under these conditions, dried lavender can retain a strong fragrance for one to two years, though the scent may last longer while the color slowly fades. A significant loss of scent, a muted color, or any sign of a dusty or “off” aroma indicates the lavender is past its prime and should be replaced.