Lavender can be added to tea in cold climates, just as it can in any other climate. The external temperature or location doesn't change the method of preparing the tea.
The main considerations for adding lavender to tea in a cold climate would be:
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Sourcing the Culinary Lavender:
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Dried Culinary Lavender: This is the easiest and most common option, especially in cold climates where fresh lavender might not be available year-round. You can purchase high-quality dried culinary-grade English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) from specialty spice shops, reputable online retailers, or even larger grocery stores. Since it's dried, its availability isn't dependent on the growing season.
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Growing Your Own: If you're an avid gardener in a cold climate (like many parts of the US and Canada in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-5), you can grow cold-hardy varieties of English Lavender. Varieties like 'Munstead', 'Hidcote', and 'Phenomenal' are known for their cold tolerance. You'd harvest the flowers when they bloom (typically in summer), dry them, and then use them for tea throughout the year. For more on growing lavender in cold climates, please refer to our previous discussion on making lavender syrup in cold climates.
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Type of Tea to Complement: In cold climates, people often gravitate towards warmer, more comforting drinks. Lavender's floral notes can beautifully complement these.
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Hot Herbal Blends: Lavender pairs exceptionally well with other calming and warming herbs like chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, or valerian root for a relaxing evening tea.
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Black Teas: A touch of lavender can add an elegant aroma to a robust black tea like Earl Grey (the bergamot notes are fantastic with lavender), or a traditional English Breakfast tea.
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Green Teas: For a lighter, more delicate warming brew, lavender can be added sparingly to green tea.
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How to Add Lavender to Tea (The Method Remains the Same):
The process for preparing lavender tea is universal:
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Ingredients: Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried culinary lavender buds (or 1-2 tablespoons of fresh, if available) per 8-10 ounces of hot water. Adjust the amount to your personal taste preference.
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Steeping: Place the lavender buds in a tea infuser, a tea ball, or directly into your mug or teapot. Pour hot water (just off the boil, around 195°-205°F / 90°-96°C) over the lavender.
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Steeping Time: Steep for 3 to 5 minutes. This is crucial! Over-steeping lavender can result in a bitter or "soapy" taste, which is unpleasant. It's better to err on the side of shorter steeping and increase if you want a stronger flavor.
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Strain: If you steeped the lavender directly in the mug, make sure to strain the tea before drinking to remove the buds.
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Optional Additions: Sweeten with honey (which pairs very well with lavender), maple syrup, or sugar. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavor and sometimes even enhance the color of the tea.
Important Safety Note: As always, never use lavender essential oil or lavender from non-culinary sources for tea, as they are not safe for ingestion. Always ensure you are using culinary-grade lavender specifically for food and beverage use.
So, whether it's a chilly winter evening or just a cool day, a warm cup of lavender tea can be a delightful and comforting treat in a cold climate.
