The Crucial Distinction: Culinary vs. Ornamental Lavender
Not all lavender is created equal when it comes to consumption. The most important rule is to only use fresh culinary-grade lavender, which is specifically grown for food and beverage use. English lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is the most common and safest species for drinking because of its low camphor content. Camphor is a compound that gives many ornamental varieties a more pungent, medicinal, or bitter flavor, often described as 'soapy' when infused. Ornamental species, such as Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) or French lavender (Lavandula dentata), should be avoided for culinary purposes due to their strong taste and the risk of being treated with pesticides.
The Best Culinary Varieties
For the best results, look for specific cultivars of English lavender. Popular choices include:
- 'Munstead': A classic choice known for its sweet, balanced fragrance that works well in both sweet and savory applications.
- 'Hidcote': Features deep purple flowers and a strong, sweet aroma, making it excellent for infusions.
- 'Royal Velvet': This cultivar offers a robust flavor, making it a reliable option for drinking.
How to Safely Prepare Fresh Lavender for Drinking
Preparing fresh lavender for infusion is a simple process, but requires attention to detail to ensure safety and prevent a bitter taste. Always source your lavender from a trusted location, like a culinary herb garden, a farmer's market, or a reputable online supplier, and confirm it is pesticide-free.
Step-by-step preparation:
- Rinse Thoroughly: Gently rinse the fresh lavender sprigs under cool, running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Strip the Buds: Hold a stem over a bowl and gently pinch the base, running your fingers up to release the flower buds. The stems and leaves are more bitter and should be discarded.
- Infuse with Care: Depending on the desired flavor strength, you can infuse the buds in hot or cold water. For hot infusion, steep for 5-10 minutes. For cold infusion, let it sit in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Strain Completely: Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all the buds before drinking. This prevents any bitterness from prolonged contact.
Infusion Methods: Hot vs. Cold
There are two primary methods for infusing water with fresh lavender, each yielding a slightly different result.
- Hot Water Infusion (Tea): This method releases the flavor and aromatics more quickly. Simply pour hot (but not boiling) water over the buds and let steep. It is faster but can also result in a stronger, more intense flavor. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of fresh buds per 8-10 ounces of water.
- Cold Water Infusion (Flavored Water): For a more subtle, delicate flavor, infuse lavender in cold water. This method requires more time, typically 4+ hours or overnight, but results in a cleaner, less intense floral note. Using a pitcher with a built-in infuser can make this process easier.
| Feature | Culinary Lavender | Ornamental Lavender |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Species | Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) | Lavandula stoechas (Spanish) & Lavandula dentata (French) |
| Flavor Profile | Mild, sweet, and floral with subtle minty notes | Strong, pungent, and often bitter due to high camphor content |
| Cultivation | Grown for consumption, typically without pesticides | Grown for appearance and fragrance, may be treated with chemicals |
| Best for Drinking | Yes, perfect for teas, lemonades, and infused water | No, can taste soapy and may be unsafe due to chemicals |
| Examples | 'Munstead', 'Hidcote', 'Royal Velvet' | Lavender sold in garden centers for landscaping purposes |
Health Benefits and Potential Risks
In addition to adding a floral flavor, consuming culinary lavender in water may offer several potential benefits, though scientific evidence for these claims is often limited or based on extracts.
- Stress and Anxiety Relief: Lavender is known for its calming properties. Drinking it as a tea or infusion may help ease anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Improved Sleep Quality: The relaxing effects of lavender can potentially aid in achieving better sleep.
- Digestive Support: It may help soothe an upset stomach by relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Lavender contains compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties, though research is scarce.
Important Precautions to Consider
While culinary lavender is generally safe in moderation, there are risks to be aware of:
- Avoid Essential Oils: Ingesting concentrated lavender essential oil is toxic and can cause serious side effects, including severe digestive issues, nervous system depression, and liver damage.
- Use Moderation: Overusing fresh lavender can lead to an unpleasant, perfumed flavor and may cause headaches, diarrhea, or constipation in sensitive individuals.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence regarding its safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is best to avoid it during these periods.
- Medication Interactions: Lavender can have a sedative effect and should be used with caution, or avoided entirely, if you are taking other medications that cause sleepiness or slow the central nervous system.
- Hormonal Effects in Boys: Skin application of lavender oil has been linked to hormonal disruption in prepubescent boys. While ingestion data is lacking, caution is advised.
Conclusion
Infusing fresh lavender in water is a delightful way to enjoy its floral aroma and potential calming benefits, but it requires using the correct type of lavender and proper preparation. Always ensure you are using culinary-grade English lavender that is free from pesticides, rather than ornamental varieties or essential oils. By starting with small amounts and preparing it correctly, you can create a safe, delicious, and relaxing beverage. As with any herbal remedy, it is wise to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant or have existing health conditions. For more information on the use of herbs, please refer to authoritative resources like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
