Tag: Dried lavender

While the entire lavender plant is technically edible, the delicate flower buds are overwhelmingly the best part to use for a soothing, aromatic tea. The buds contain the highest concentration of the sweet, floral compounds that create the tea's desirable flavor and relaxing aroma, without the bitter, camphor-like taste found in the stems and leaves.

Using the wrong ratio of lavender to water can result in a soapy, bitter taste rather than a beautifully balanced, calming floral one. Learning exactly how much dried lavender for one cup of tea is the secret to creating an aromatic and relaxing infusion every time.

According to the U.S. FDA, culinary-grade Lavandula angustifolia is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for food use in small quantities. However, the crucial question, "Is dried lavender safe to consume?" depends entirely on the specific variety and how it is prepared, highlighting the importance of proper sourcing.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, it is likely safe to consume lavender in the amounts typically used in foods. This guide explores whether dried lavender is safe for humans, differentiating between culinary-grade buds and concentrated essential oils.

While most lavender is technically edible, not all dried lavender is food safe for culinary purposes. The safety and flavor depend heavily on the specific lavender species and how it was grown. Using the wrong type can lead to a bitter, soapy, or chemical-tasting dish, or worse, introduce dangerous pesticides.