Unlock the Flavor: How To Cook with Lavender for Fragrant, Tasty Dishes

Lavender isn't just for soaps and scents; it's a culinary adventurer's dream come true. Its subtly sweet, slightly minty flavor infused meals with a unique taste and aroma that is hard to forget. From main dishes and desserts to drinks, this beautiful, fragrant herb can bring a breath of Provence into your home cooking. But how exactly do you cook with lavender? Let's dive into the aromatic world of this multi-faceted herb.

How To Cook with Lavender?

Cooking with lavender has been a staple in many culinary traditions around the world, particularly in the Mediterranean regions where it grows abundantly. The use of lavender in cooking has seen a recent surge in popularity, especially with the rise of the farm-to-table movement and the exploration of botanical flavors.

When it comes to incorporating lavender into your dishes, think of it as a fragrant spice that adds an exciting dimension of flavor. It's especially wonderful in desserts and pastries, with lavender-infused cookies, cakes, and macarons earning admiration from foodies everywhere. Lavender desserts not only bring a unique flavor profile but also lend a lovely, light purple color that makes for a beautiful presentation. Similarly, lavender drinks, from teas and lemonades to cocktails and lattes, are gaining recognition in the beverage world, both for their taste and for their calming properties.

Beyond sweets, dried lavender can also be used in savory dishes. It pairs wonderfully with herbs like rosemary and thyme and can be used in spice rubs for meats or in aromatic herb blends for roasts and stews. Edible lavender in cooking can transform a simple dish into a gourmet masterpiece with its unique flavor. Remember, the key to using lavender is to use it sparingly as its strong flavor can easily overpower a dish.

Cooking with lavender opens a new avenue of flavors and creativity in the kitchen. Its versatility in drinks, desserts, and savory dishes, along with its therapeutic qualities, makes it a unique ingredient to explore. From here, the possibilities of flavor pairings with lavender are only as limited as your imagination.

Choosing and Storing Lavender

When it comes to cooking, not all lavender is created equal. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), with its sweet fragrance, is the most commonly used variety in the kitchen. On the other hand, French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) can be too potent for most dishes. Always ensure you're using culinary-grade lavender, as some varieties may have been treated with chemicals not suitable for consumption.

Fresh lavender is a wonderful addition to any kitchen, but it's not always in season. Dried lavender is a good alternative, providing that it is stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, and it can maintain its flavor for several months. Remember, dried lavender is more potent than fresh, so you'll want to use about one-third less when substituting it in recipes.

Ways to Use Lavender

Photo By Canva

Lavender is not only a beautiful fragrant flower, but it's also a versatile herb that can add a unique flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas on how you can use lavender in your cooking:

Infuse it into Liquids: One of the easiest ways to use lavender in cooking is by infusing it into liquids. This could be anything from milk, cream, or sugar syrup. For example, if you're making a lavender-infused ice cream or a cake, you might infuse the lavender into the milk or cream first.

Baking: Lavender is often used in baking and pairs well with flavors like lemon, honey, and vanilla. You can add a small amount of dried lavender to cakes, cookies, scones, or even bread for a subtle floral note.

Cocktails and Beverages: Lavender can be used to add a floral twist to your beverages. Try making a lavender simple syrup and add it to lemonade, iced tea, or cocktails.

Savory Dishes: Although less common, lavender can be used in savory dishes as well. It pairs well with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, and can be used in rubs for meat or added to stews.

Salad Dressings: Try adding a bit of dried lavender to a homemade salad dressing for a unique flavor. It works particularly well in dressings made with honey and lemon.

Desserts: Lavender can be used in a variety of desserts like panna cotta, custards, or even chocolates. A popular dessert is lavender-infused creme brûlée.

Remember, when using lavender in your cooking, a little goes a long way. Too much can make your dish taste soapy. Always start with a small amount and add more if needed. Also, make sure to use culinary-grade lavender, as some varieties of lavender can be treated with chemicals not safe for consumption.

Incorporating Lavender Into Dishes

Infusing lavender into your dishes is an art. It works wonderfully in a wide range of dishes from roasted meats to baked goods. When used correctly, lavender imparts a sophisticated, nuanced flavor that can elevate your dish to a new level.

Consider adding a sprinkle of lavender to your lamb or beef stew for a delightful, herby undertone. In desserts, pair lavender with complementary flavors such as lemon, honey, or berries. A lavender-infused lemonade or a blueberry-lavender ice cream can add a unique twist to your summer treats.

Creating Lavender-Infused Oils and Sugars

One popular method of introducing lavender's flavor into your cooking is by making lavender-infused oils and sugars. To make lavender oil, simply add dried lavender to a high-quality olive or coconut oil and let it sit for a few weeks, shaking occasionally. This infused oil can be used in salad dressings, marinades, or drizzled over roasted vegetables.

For lavender sugar, blend together dried lavender and granulated sugar in a food processor. This sugar can be used to sweeten tea, sprinkle on baked goods, or rim a cocktail glass for a lavender-infused drink.

Understanding Lavender’s Strength

When it comes to lavender, less is more. This aromatic herb can easily overpower a dish if used excessively. Start with a small amount and gradually add more to taste. One or two flower heads are often enough for most recipes.

Lavender, with its enchanting fragrance and delicate flavor, can transform your culinary creations in a unique way. Embrace this fragrant herb, and let it unlock a new world of flavor in your kitchen. Learn to balance its strength with other ingredients, and you'll find that cooking with lavender can be a delightful journey of taste discovery.

What Is The Best Way To Cook With Lavender?

Photo By Canva

Cooking with lavender adds a unique flavor to many dishes, but knowing how to use it is crucial because it can quickly overpower other flavors if not used correctly. Here are some of the best ways to cook with lavender:

Infusion: Lavender can be infused into liquids, like milk, cream, or syrup. This method is often used in baking or dessert recipes. To do this, you typically heat the liquid and then add the lavender, allowing it to steep until the desired flavor intensity is reached. Strain out the lavender before using the liquid in your recipe.

Dry Rub: Lavender can be ground and used as part of a dry rub for meats, especially lamb, chicken, and beef. Combine it with other herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, and pepper, then rub it onto the meat before roasting or grilling.

Lavender Sugar: You can make lavender sugar by combining granulated sugar with dried lavender in a food processor. This sugar can be used in baking or to sweeten beverages. It's perfect for recipes that call for a subtle lavender flavor.

In Baking: Lavender is often used in baked goods like cookies, cakes, and bread. Because it has a strong flavor, start with a small amount and taste as you go.

In Beverages: Lavender can also be used in beverages like lemonade, tea, or cocktails. You can make a lavender simple syrup or infuse the beverage directly with a few buds of lavender.

When cooking with lavender, remember to start with a small amount. Its flavor is potent, and too much can make your dish taste soapy. You can always add more if needed, but it's hard to tone down if you've added too much. And always ensure that you're using culinary lavender, as some varieties are not meant for consumption.

How Do I Prepare Lavender For Cooking?

Cooking with lavender can be a delightful experience if you prepare it properly. Here's a simple guideline to follow:

Selection: The first step is to ensure that you're using culinary lavender. Not all lavender is created equal and some types are better suited for cooking due to their sweeter flavor profiles, such as Lavandula angustifolia. If you're purchasing lavender, make sure it's labeled as culinary-grade. If you're harvesting it from your own plants, avoid any that have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.

Cleaning: Rinse your fresh lavender under cold water to remove any dirt or tiny insects. Shake it dry or pat it down gently with a clean towel.

Drying (Optional): If you want to dry your lavender for later use, tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. Once the lavender is dry, you can remove the buds from the stems and store them in an airtight container.

Using Lavender: If you're using dried lavender buds, they are often quite potent. You may need to grind them up into a powder to distribute the flavor more evenly in your dish. You can use a coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle for this. Also, remember that the flavor of lavender gets stronger with time, so if you're making something like a stew or soup, add it towards the end of the cooking process.

Infusing Lavender: One of the most common ways to use lavender in cooking is to infuse its flavor into a liquid like milk, cream, or simple syrup. To do this, add the lavender to the liquid, heat it up to a simmer, then remove it from heat and let it steep until it reaches your desired level of flavor. Remember to strain out the lavender buds before using the liquid in your recipe.

Remember Moderation: Lavender is a powerful herb, and too much of it can quickly overpower a dish and give it a soapy taste. Always start with a small amount and add more if necessary.

By preparing your lavender correctly, you can add a unique and delightful flavor to your culinary creations. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!

What Part Of Lavender Is Used For Cooking?

The part of the lavender plant that is used for cooking is the bud or flower. These buds are usually small, purple, and packed with flavor. They're harvested just before they fully open, when their aroma is the strongest. The lavender buds can be used fresh or dried. However, dried lavender tends to have a more concentrated flavor, so less is often needed when it's used in cooking.

It's worth noting that lavender leaves can also be used in cooking, but they have a much milder flavor compared to the flowers. They can be used in the same way you would use rosemary.

When using lavender in your recipes, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. Too much lavender can make a dish taste bitter or overly perfumed. It's always better to start with a small amount and add more as needed.

Lastly, make sure that any lavender you are using in cooking is culinary grade. Some lavender plants, especially those grown for ornamental purposes, can be treated with chemicals that you wouldn't want in your food. Culinary lavender, on the other hand, is safe to eat.

Can Any Lavender Be Used In Cooking?

While all varieties of lavender can be used in cooking, not all of them are ideal for culinary purposes. The most recommended type for cooking is Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, which includes varieties like 'Munstead' and 'Hidcote.' They are known for their sweet floral flavor, with hints of rosemary and mint, making them a favorite for both sweet and savory dishes.

On the other hand, Lavandula x intermedia, also known as lavandin, has a stronger, more camphorous flavor which can be overwhelming in dishes. This variety is often used in soaps and perfumes.

Moreover, you must make sure the lavender used for cooking is culinary grade and hasn't been treated with any chemicals or pesticides. Lavender intended for ornamental purposes often has these treatments and is not safe for consumption. Always buy your culinary lavender from a trusted source that ensures it is safe for use in food.

So, while technically any lavender can be used in cooking, the type of lavender and where it's sourced from will significantly impact the flavor and safety of your dishes.

Lavender Recipes

Check out our other posts:

• What Is The Difference Between Afternoon Tea and High Tea?
• How To Use Spices?
• Guide To Gluten-Free Baking