Understanding Edible vs. Ornamental Lavender
While English lavender ($$Lavandula angustifolia$$) is a prized culinary herb, not all lavender is created equal for consumption. Many ornamental varieties are high in camphor, a compound that gives them a strong, medicinal or soapy flavor unsuitable for food. Always verify that you are using a culinary-grade species, specifically English lavender, which has a sweeter, more delicate floral profile.
Choosing the Right English Lavender for Cooking
For culinary use, seek out varieties that are explicitly labeled as food-grade. Popular English lavender cultivars known for their excellent flavor include:
- Munstead: A compact variety with a balanced floral flavor, ideal for baking.
- Hidcote: Features deep purple flowers and a sweet, robust flavor.
- Royal Velvet: A favorite for its intense purple color and strong flavor profile, suitable for both sweet and savory applications.
Essential Preparation Steps for Culinary Use
Before incorporating lavender into your recipes, proper preparation is key to ensuring a pleasant taste. Avoid using entire stems, which can be bitter. Instead, strip the buds from the woody stems, especially when baking.
- Wash thoroughly: If using fresh lavender from your garden, wash the buds gently to remove any dirt or insects. Always ensure your garden lavender has not been treated with pesticides.
- Dry properly: For dried lavender, harvest buds just as they are opening. Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dark place to dry completely, then store the buds in an airtight container. Dried lavender has a more concentrated flavor than fresh, so adjust quantities accordingly.
- Infuse with care: For infusions, such as syrups or honey, avoid boiling the lavender, as this can release bitter compounds. Instead, steep the buds in warm liquid and strain after a short period.
Culinary Applications of English Lavender
English lavender's versatility shines in both sweet and savory dishes, adding a sophisticated, aromatic complexity. The key is using it sparingly—a little goes a long way.
- Baked Goods: Add ground lavender buds to shortbread cookies, cakes, and scones for a delicate floral note. It pairs exceptionally well with citrus fruits like lemon.
- Beverages: Make a refreshing lavender lemonade or add a few buds to herbal tea for a calming drink. A lavender simple syrup is perfect for cocktails or mocktails.
- Savory Dishes: Incorporate lavender into herb blends like herbes de Provence for seasoning roasted chicken, lamb, or fish. It also complements rich, fatty ingredients and can be infused into brown butter for drizzling over vegetables.
- Infused Sugar: Create a quick and easy infused sugar by mixing dried lavender buds with granulated sugar in an airtight jar. Allow it to sit for a few weeks to let the flavors meld.
Potential Health Benefits and Considerations
In addition to its culinary uses, English lavender has long been used for its potential health benefits, though more research is needed to support many claims.
- Calming Properties: Consuming lavender tea or infused foods may help reduce anxiety, stress, and promote better sleep.
- Digestive Aid: Traditionally, lavender has been used to alleviate minor digestive issues like bloating and indigestion.
- Antioxidants: Lavender contains antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress.
Culinary Lavender vs. Lavender Essential Oil
It is crucial to differentiate between consuming culinary-grade lavender buds and ingesting lavender essential oil. Essential oils are highly concentrated and toxic if swallowed. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms and should only be used topically or diffused with proper guidance. Always use lavender buds or extract specifically marked as food-grade for consumption.
Comparison of Lavender Varieties
| Feature | English Lavender ($$Lavandula angustifolia$$) | Spanish Lavender ($$Lavandula stoechas$$) | Hybrid Lavender ($$Lavandula x intermedia$$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Use | Best for culinary use due to mild, sweet flavor. | Not recommended for culinary use due to higher camphor content and harsher flavor. | Limited culinary use; stronger, more pungent flavor requires very small quantities. |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, delicate, and floral with low camphor content. | Medicinal, harsh, and bitter; not pleasant to eat. | Stronger and more camphorous than English lavender, potentially soapy tasting if overused. |
| Best For | Baking, teas, syrups, savory dishes, infusions. | Ornamental gardens, fragrance products. | Perfumes, sachets, ornamental use; can be used very sparingly in specific savory applications. |
Conclusion
Consuming English lavender is perfectly safe and can be a delightful culinary experience, provided you use the correct variety and exercise moderation. Stick to culinary-grade ($$Lavandula angustifolia$$) flowers, prepare them properly, and use a light touch to avoid overpowering your food. Never ingest highly concentrated essential oils, which are toxic. By following these simple guidelines, you can safely explore the unique floral and aromatic notes that English lavender brings to a wide range of recipes, from baked goods and beverages to savory meals. The key to success is in the details, ensuring your lavender is pesticide-free and specifically designated for cooking. Enjoy the fragrant journey!
For more information on culinary herbs and their proper use, consult reliable sources like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a government organization dedicated to studying complementary health approaches.
