The lavender plant (Lavandula) is known for its distinctive fragrance and versatility in modern homes and kitchens. Cultivated for thousands of years, it is used for culinary seasoning and aromatic applications. Its appeal comes from aromatic compounds, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, concentrated within the tiny flower buds. Understanding proper preparation ensures safe and effective use of the plant’s bounty.
Preparing Lavender for Use
Proper harvesting is essential for maximizing the final product’s potency and fragrance. The ideal time to harvest is in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the midday sun heats the plant. Harvesting should occur when the flower buds are just beginning to open, typically when one-third to one-half of the blossoms on the stem show color.
Cut the stems long, making the cut just above the woody growth. Gather the stems into small, loose bundles, secure them with twine, and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and dry location. This preserves the flowers’ color and prevents essential oils from evaporating. Drying takes two to four weeks; the stems are ready when they snap easily when bent. Once dried, strip the buds and store them in an opaque, airtight container away from light and heat to maintain their aroma.
Culinary Applications
Incorporating lavender into food requires careful species selection for a pleasant taste. Lavandula angustifolia, known as English lavender, is the preferred culinary variety because it has a naturally low concentration of camphor. Camphor can impart a bitter or soapy flavor to dishes. Cooks should ensure their lavender is certified organic and free of pesticides, which can concentrate in the final product.
The dried buds of culinary varieties like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Hidcote’ offer a subtly sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy note that pairs well with both sweet and savory recipes. Lavender sugar is easily made by combining one tablespoon of dried buds with one cup of granulated sugar in a sealed jar for a few days to allow the flavor to infuse. This infused sugar can then be used in baking or to rim cocktail glasses for a unique twist. For beverages, a simple syrup made from the buds provides an aromatic base for lemonades, teas, and cocktails.
Dried lavender can be incorporated sparingly into baked goods, such as shortbread cookies or scones, or added to savory rubs for poultry and lamb. Due to the potency of the essential oils, careful measurement is important, as a small amount flavors an entire dish. Using species like Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin) or Lavandula stoechas (Spanish lavender) may result in an overly resinous or bitter taste due to their higher camphor content.
Aromatic and Topical Uses
Lavender’s strong, pleasant scent comes from aromatic compounds like linalool, which have calming effects on the nervous system. Dried flower buds are perfect for creating long-lasting aromatic sachets to gently scent linens in drawers or closets. These sachets also deter pests like moths and silverfish, which dislike the strong floral aroma.
Dried lavender can be infused into a carrier oil to create a topical oil for skin and massage. To make infused oil, submerge the dried buds in a liquid carrier oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba, or olive oil. The mixture can steep for several weeks in a cool, dark location, or be gently heated in a water bath (100°F to 105°F) for 24 hours. This process extracts beneficial compounds into the oil, which can then be strained and used to soothe muscles or calm minor skin irritations.
A simple way to use the aroma in the home is by creating a natural air freshener spray. A mixture of distilled water, a small amount of alcohol as an emulsifier, and the infused oil provides a pleasant, non-chemical alternative to commercial deodorizers. The aromatic compounds, particularly linalool, are also effective as a natural pest deterrent against mosquitoes, flies, and ants when sprayed around entry points. Placing dried lavender or cotton balls soaked in the infused oil in areas where rodents frequent may also help discourage their presence.