Not only can lavender be used in savory dishes organically, but it's highly recommended to use organic culinary lavender when cooking, whether for savory or sweet dishes.
Here's why, and what it means for savory applications:
Why Organic is Key for Culinary Lavender:
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Pesticides and Herbicides: Non-organic lavender may be treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals that are not safe for human consumption. "Crafting" or "fragrance" grade lavender, even if it looks appealing, often falls into this category.
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Purity of Flavor: Organic cultivation practices tend to produce a purer, more natural flavor profile in the herb, free from chemical residues that could negatively impact the taste.
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Health and Safety: When consuming any herb or food product, choosing organic minimizes exposure to synthetic chemicals.
How to Use Organic Lavender in Savory Dishes (Same Principles Apply):
The method of using lavender in savory dishes remains the same, but the emphasis on organic, culinary-grade Lavandula angustifolia is paramount.
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Source Wisely:
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Look for lavender explicitly labeled "organic" and "culinary grade" or "food grade."
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Purchase from reputable suppliers, specialty spice shops, or directly from organic lavender farms.
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If growing your own, ensure you use organic gardening practices and choose Lavandula angustifolia varieties.
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Use Sparingly: Organic lavender, being high quality, can be quite potent. A little goes a long way. Too much can still lead to a "soapy" or overwhelming flavor. Start with a pinch and adjust to taste.
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Savory Applications (Examples):
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Herbes de Provence: Organic lavender is a natural fit in this classic blend, perfect for roasted chicken, lamb, or vegetables.
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Marinades and Rubs: Combine organic lavender buds (finely crushed) with other organic herbs (rosemary, thyme), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and organic olive oil for meats or hearty vegetables.
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Infused Oils/Vinegars: Gently warm organic olive oil or white wine vinegar with a few organic lavender buds, then strain after a few hours or overnight for a fragrant dressing base.
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Savory Baked Goods: Add finely chopped organic lavender to savory bread doughs, focaccia, or herb biscuits.
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With Cheeses: A tiny sprinkle of organic lavender on organic organic goat cheese or fresh mozzarella, perhaps with a drizzle of organic honey, can be delightful.
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Salt Blends: Create an organic lavender salt by grinding organic lavender buds with sea salt.
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In summary, not only can organic lavender be used in savory dishes, but it's the safest and best way to incorporate this unique and flavorful herb into your cooking. Always prioritize organic, culinary-grade lavender for any edible application.
