Ingredients Guide

Lavender, with its iconic fragrance and delicate purple blooms, is more than just a pretty plant. It's a versatile herb with a rich history, a delightful culinary presence, and potential health benefits. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about lavender, from its ancient origins to its modern-day applications in the kitchen and beyond.

Lavender: A Culinary and Historical Guide

1. History of Lavender:

Lavender ( Lavandula ) hails from the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and India. Its use dates back millennia, with evidence of its use in ancient Egypt, where it was used in the mummification process and for its fragrance. The ancient Greeks and Romans also valued lavender for its scent and its medicinal properties, using it in perfumes, baths, and remedies. During the medieval period, lavender gained popularity in Europe for its cleansing and healing qualities, used to ward off infections and scent linens. In the Victorian era, lavender water and lavender sachets were popular accessories, cementing its association with elegance and purity. Today, lavender is cultivated worldwide, with France, Spain, and Bulgaria being major producers, and it continues to be appreciated for its aromatic and culinary properties.

2. Cooking Techniques:

Lavender offers a unique floral flavour that can add depth and complexity to dishes. It's crucial to use it sparingly, as its flavour can be overpowering. Culinary lavender is often Lavandula angustifolia, known for its sweeter, less camphor-like flavour.

• How to cook Lavender (General Overview): Start small! Begin by infusing lavender into liquids like cream, honey, or sugar. Use dried lavender buds or, if available, fresh lavender flowers. Lavender can be used in sweet and savoury dishes, from baked goods to marinades.

• How to prepare Lavender for Cooking: Gently crush dried lavender buds between your fingers to release their aroma before adding them to recipes. For fresh lavender, strip the flowers from the stems and use the flowers directly. Remove the stems as they can be bitter.

• How to bake with Lavender: Lavender pairs beautifully with baked goods. Add it to shortbread cookies, scones, cakes, and muffins. Infuse lavender into sugar or honey, then use these in your recipes. A small amount can create a complex flavour profile. Try making lavender sugar for the perfect addition to shortbread biscuits.

• How to infuse Lavender: Gently heat milk, cream, honey, or sugar with a small amount of dried lavender buds (about 1-2 teaspoons per cup of liquid) over low heat. Let it steep for 15-20 minutes, then strain the liquid to remove the lavender buds. Be careful not to boil the liquid as this can alter the flavour.

3. Ingredient Preparation:

Lavender is relatively simple to prepare for culinary use.

• How to strip lavender flowers: This is best done with fresh lavender. Gently hold the stem and run your fingers down, removing the tiny flowers. The flowers are the edible part.
• How to crush lavender buds: For dried lavender buds, use a mortar and pestle to gently crush them, releasing the essential oils and flavour. You can also crush them lightly between your fingers.

4. Storage:

Proper storage helps to preserve lavender's aroma and flavour.

• How to store Lavender (Short-term and Long-term):
  • Fresh Lavender: Wrap fresh lavender in a slightly damp paper towel and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Dried Lavender: Store dried lavender buds in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. This can last for 1-2 years.
  • Lavender Infused Liquids (Sugar, Honey, Oils): Store in airtight jars or containers in a cool, dark place. They can last for several months.

5. Substitutions:

• Good substitutes for Lavender: Rose petals or rosemary (used sparingly due to its strong flavour) can provide floral or herbaceous notes. Bergamot tea (Earl Grey) can offer a similar flavour profile but has a citrusy component.

6. Nutritional Information:

Lavender offers a small amount of nutritional value, and is more frequently used for its aroma and flavour than it's nutritional content.

• Lavender nutrition facts (per tablespoon of dried lavender buds - approximate):

  • Calories: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Protein: 0.3g
  • Fat: 0.1g
  • Small amounts of Vitamin A, Calcium, and Iron. Lavender is mostly valued for its essential oils.

• Health Benefits: Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing properties. It is often used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Lavender contains antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies suggest that lavender may help with mild pain relief and promote wound healing. However, most studies involve the use of lavender essential oil, rather than the consumption of lavender itself.

• Allergies and Sensitivities: While rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to lavender. Symptoms can include skin rash, itching, or difficulty breathing. It’s important to introduce it in small amounts and to consult a medical professional if you have any concerns.

7. Pairing:

Lavender's unique flavour profile makes it versatile in the kitchen.

• What flavours and ingredients go well with Lavender:
  • Sweet pairings: Honey, lemon, berries (especially blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries), chocolate, vanilla, and almonds.
  • Savoury pairings: Rosemary, thyme, goat cheese, poultry (chicken, duck), lamb, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
  • Specific Examples: Lavender honey drizzled over goat cheese on crostini, lavender-infused shortbread cookies, lavender-infused lemonade, lavender-roasted chicken, and lavender in a blueberry crumble.

8. Cleaning and Washing:

• How to wash Lavender properly: For fresh lavender, rinse the flowers gently under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean paper towel or let them air dry before use. For dried lavender, there's no need to wash, store them in a clean container away from moisture.

9. Ripeness:

• Seasonality: Lavender is typically in season during the summer months, with peak availability from June to August in the UK.

• How to tell if Lavender is ripe: Fresh lavender is at its best when the flower buds are mostly closed but beginning to open, revealing their fragrant aroma. The flowers should be a deep, vibrant purple or lavender colour.

Facts You May Not Know

FAQs