John Myers
The floral-fresh lavender scent is widely known in perfumes and cosmetics. The herb with the pretty violet flowers is also a big hit in the kitchen as a fine spice.
Things to know about lavender
Lavender belongs to the mint family and can be found as an ornamental plant in gardens in this country, flowering between June and August. Its intense fragrance is used in lavender creams and soaps, bath additives, oils, fragrances, and in linen cupboards. Lavender is less known as a culinary herb and spice. The plant, which originates from the Mediterranean region and has bright bluish-violet flowers, is mainly used dried as a spice. One of the main growing areas of lavender is Provence. In mixtures such as Herbes de Provence, lavender is often an integral part. Fresh lavender flowers on the stem make a wonderful use as an edible decoration, for example in summer drinks such as a lavender berry scrub. With essential oil from lavender you can in turn make nourishing oil yourself.
Shopping and cooking tips for lavender
When buying the fresh herb for the kitchen, make sure that you choose true/narrow-leaved edible lavender with the botanical name Lavendula angustifolia. It can be recognized by its narrow, needle-like leaves, which are tender and young and can also be used for seasoning. Varieties such as spike lavender and French lavender are not suitable for flavoring dishes.
It is best to store fresh lavender in the refrigerator and use it within three days. To dry, tie a bouquet and hang it up with the flowers facing down. This will keep them for around half a year. You can use lavender to bake cakes or yeast-raised pastries like babas and cinnamon rolls with carrots. The flowers can also be used to refine jams, game and lamb, sheep and goat cheese, fish soups, vegetable dishes, vinegar, and herb butter. However, use lavender sparingly, otherwise its aroma will be too dominant.
Does lavender need more sun or shade?
Lavender needs to be planted in an area with full sun, with at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Lavender will suffer in the shade and won’t grow. Planting lavender in full sun will promote a healthier and stronger plant, and increase the production of blooms.
What is lavender good for?
Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness.
Does lavender come back every year?
And this beauty will come back to your garden every year, for about 3-5 years, so it’s a great investment. What is this? Before you make any plant purchases, however, I want to remind you to always choose plants that thrive in your plant hardiness zone.
Why is lavender poisonous?
It is mainly the linalyl acetate and linalool in lavender oil that are poisonous.
