What is Culinary Lavender?
Culinary Lavender Vs Lavandin
When it comes to the world of fragrant flowers, lavender and lavandin are often compared and contrasted. While they may share similarities in their appearance and scent, there are distinct differences between the two that make them unique in their own right.
However, only one is superior in the culinary world: English lavender
Lavender, known scientifically as Lavandula angustifolia, or “English lavender,” is a species of flowering plant in the mint family. It is renowned for its calming and soothing properties, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy and skincare products. With its delicate purple flowers and sweet floral aroma, lavender has also been cherished for centuries for its therapeutic qualities.
English lavender flavor profiles will differ by variety. those profiles range, for example, from sweet (Violet Intrigue,) Peppery (Folgate,) Herbal (Vera,) Floral (Munstead,) and Citrus (Hidcote Blue.)
On the other hand, lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a hybrid plant that is a cross between true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). This hybridization gives lavandin a unique blend of characteristics from both parent plants. It tends to have larger flower spikes than true lavender and emits a stronger, more camphorous scent.
If you ever ate a lavender dish that could be described as “soap.” You probably ate a camphorus lavandin.
While both lavender and lavandin offer aromatic benefits, they differ in terms of fragrance & culinary profiles, There are some exceptions for using lavandin for culinary purposes, such as Herbs de Provence or to use as a “stir stick” in your favorite cocktail or mocktail.
While lavender and lavandin share some aesthetic similarities as fragrant flowers, their distinct characteristics set them apart.
Cooking with Lavender is an Art
Cooking with lavender has more to do with infusions, not just throwing a bunch of lavender buds in some commercial hot chocolate or lemonade mixes and calling it “lavender hot chocolate” or “lavender lemonade.” There is nothing wrong with that. It is just elementary. And probably the reason why people don’t like the taste of lavender.
Rather than having steeped lavender buds floating around in your drinks, you should strive to have lavender infusions in your drinks. The lavender infusions will not have spent buds and the buds should be used as a garnish, in the form of sprig stir sticks, not as “floaties.”
Our cakes are baked with lavender extract, lavender infused vegetable oils and lavender water infusions providing the lavender flavor. The dried buds and fresh (or frozen 11 months out of the year) sprigs are just aesthetically pleasing garnish, not overdone.
Lavender Water
Lavender water is quite refreshing on a hot summer day.
When it comes to exploring the benefits of lavender water, it’s important to understand how this floral-infused drink can positively impact our well-being.
Lavender water, made by infusing lavender flowers or buds in water, has gained popularity for its potential soothing properties.
Drinking lavender water offers a myriad of advantages for both the mind and body. One of the key benefits is its perceived ability to promote relaxation: helping individuals unwind after a long day.
Enjoying a refreshing cold glass or soothing hot cup of lavender water is No different than having a glass of wine or alcoholic beverage after work. The only difference, lavender water has only two ingredients and no sugar.
It’s worth noting that while there are potential benefits associated with drinking lavender water, it’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or incorporating new beverages into your routine.
incorporating lavender water into your daily regimen could provide you with various advantages such as promoting relaxation. So why not give this floral-infused drink a try and experience the potential benefits for yourself?
Click to get our Lavender Water Recipe
Lavender Simple Syrup
The process of making lavender simple syrup involves infusing fresh or dried lavender buds with a combination of sugar and water. This allows the natural flavors and aromas of the lavender to be extracted, resulting in a sweet, floral syrup that can be used in a variety of ways.
One of the key benefits of using lavender simple syrup is its versatility. It can be added to cocktails such as mojitos or lemonades for a floral and refreshing twist, or drizzled over desserts like cakes and ice creams for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating this aromatic syrup into your culinary creations.
Not only does lavender simple syrup add a burst of flavor, but it also offers potential health benefits. Lavender has long been known for its calming properties and is often used in aromatherapy for relaxation purposes. By incorporating this syrup into your beverages or desserts, you can enjoy the soothing effects of lavender while indulging in delicious treats.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, experimenting with mixology, or simply looking to elevate your everyday recipes, lavender simple syrup is an essential ingredient worth exploring. Its unique flavor profile and potential health benefits make it an exciting addition to any kitchen pantry.
So go ahead, get creative, and let the aromatic allure of lavender enhance your culinary experiences!
Click to find our Lavender Immersion Bath Sous Vide Recipe
See also: 19 Creative Uses for Lavender Simple Syrup for ideas
Lavender Extract
Its unique floral aroma and delicate flavor add a touch of sophistication to various sweet treats. Whether you’re an experienced baker or an aspiring home cook, incorporating lavender extract into your recipes can elevate your creations to new heights.
When it comes to baking, lavender extract offers a delightful twist to traditional flavors. Its subtle floral notes complement a wide range of desserts, from cookies and cakes to ice creams and pastries. Just a few drops of lavender extract can infuse your baked goods with an enchanting fragrance that will captivate your taste buds.
Lavender infused with alcohol undergoes a meticulous extraction process to capture its essence in liquid form. This ensures that the resulting lavender extract retains its aromatic properties while being convenient and easy to use in various recipes just like any extract, such as vanilla.
Click to learn the simple process of making Lavender Extract for baking
Lavender Leaves, Buds & Sprigs
Lavender leaves buds and sprigs should only be used as an aesthetic garnish. They should not be the “main” flavoring when you desire a lavender taste. They will be more bitter if not properly incorporated in the dish.
While it is so tempting and natural to just throw lavender buds & plant parts directly in your culinary delights, Just. don’t.
Cooking with lavender buds and leaves adds a delightful floral twist to your culinary creations When done right.
Plant parts should be reserved for: garnish, steeping, extracts or infusions, due to its pungent nature.
Lavender Infused Cooking Oils
Are you looking to elevate your culinary creations to new heights? Look no further than lavender infused cooking oil. This unique and aromatic ingredient adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any dish, making it a must-have for every aspiring home chef.
Lavender, known for its calming properties and delightful fragrance, has long been used in various culinary traditions. Now, with lavender infused cooking oil, you can effortlessly infuse your favorite recipes with its distinct flavor profile.
Imagine drizzling this fragrant oil over roasted vegetables, adding a subtle floral note that enhances their natural flavors. Or perhaps using it as a base for marinades and dressings, imparting a hint of lavender that will leave your guests craving more.
The uses for lavender infused cooking oil are truly endless. Whether you’re sautéing seafood, grilling meats, or even baking sweet treats, this versatile ingredient adds depth and complexity to any dish. Its delicate floral aroma creates a sensory experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Click here to learn how to infuse your own Culinary Lavender Cooking Oil
Lavender Infused Vinegar
Lavender infused vinegar is a versatile and natural solution for both cooking and cleaning purposes. With its delightful fragrance and powerful properties, it has become increasingly popular among those seeking eco-friendly alternatives.
When it comes to cooking, lavender infused vinegar adds a unique flavor profile to various dishes. It can be used as a marinade for meats, a dressing for salads, or even as an ingredient in homemade sauces. The floral notes of lavender complement both sweet and savory recipes, creating a delightful culinary experience.
In addition to its culinary uses, lavender infused vinegar is also an excellent cleaning agent. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it effective in removing dirt, grime, and odors from surfaces around the house. Whether you’re tackling kitchen countertops or bathroom tiles, this natural solution will leave your home sparkling clean without the use of harsh chemicals.
Not only does lavender infused vinegar offer practical benefits in the kitchen and during cleaning routines, but it also provides a soothing aroma that promotes relaxation and tranquility. Its calming scent can help create a serene atmosphere while you cook or clean, enhancing your overall experience.
Incorporating lavender infused vinegar into your cooking and cleaning routines offers numerous advantages. From adding flavor to your favorite recipes to providing an eco-friendly alternative for household chores, this versatile product is sure to become a staple in your home. Embrace the power of nature with lavender infused vinegar – it’s time to elevate your culinary creations and transform your cleaning rituals.
Click here to learn how to infuse your own Lavender Vinegar
Eww.. Lavender Tastes Like Soap
Cooking and baking with lavender is super trendy right now. When you learn how to properly identify culinary lavender and infuse lavender into your dishes and baked goods no one will ever say “eww” again. Your lavender creations will make you the cool kid at the block party potluck or the life of the cocktail party.
Lavender Infused Recipes Cookbook | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
This book will address common misconceptions surrounding cooking with lavender and provide expert tips on balancing its flavor profile in different dishes. By dispelling any doubts or uncertainties, we aim to empower even those who have never ventured into using lavender with cooking or baking before.
Grow Your Own Culinary Lavender!
Live English Lavender Plant 6 Pack For Sale | Hydroponic Starts
Buy Lavender Plants in a 6 Pack and Save!
This English lavender plant offering is for six different varieties of “grower’s choice” rooted starter lavender plugs. You will be pleasantly surprised with our different varieties of lavender: we have purples, blues, pinks and white! Comes with planting and care instructions.
Renee started out as an avid real estate blogger in 2006. Opting for a less stressful life, Paul and Renee moved to Michigan in 2018 and started a lavender farm in 2019.
There are very few resources available to aspiring lavender farmers for growing lavender, lavender aromatherapy and lavender culinary infusion.
Renee hopes to change and shake up the world of lavender by sharing her knowledge and experience she has gained by being a lavender farmer and aromatherapist with lavender lovers all over the world.
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