The process is identical to making regular lavender syrup, with the crucial distinction being the source of your ingredients, especially the lavender itself.
Here's how to ensure your homemade lavender syrup is organic:
The Key Ingredient: Organic Culinary Lavender
The most important step for organic lavender syrup is to use certified organic culinary-grade lavender buds.
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What to look for: Seek out dried Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) specifically labeled as "organic" and "culinary-grade" or "food-grade." This ensures it has been grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs, and is safe for consumption.
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Where to find it:
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Organic Lavender Farms: Many organic lavender farms (like some of the ones previously mentioned that might offer certified organic options) specialize in culinary lavender and are the best source for freshness and quality. You can often buy directly from their websites or farm stores.
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Specialty Organic Food Stores: High-end grocery stores or health food stores with good bulk sections or spice aisles often carry organic culinary lavender.
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Online Organic Retailers: Numerous online suppliers specialize in organic herbs and spices. Always check reviews and certifications when buying online.
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Grow Your Own (Organically): If you have a garden, you can grow your own organic culinary lavender. Ensure you use organic growing practices (no synthetic chemicals) and select varieties like 'Munstead' or 'Hidcote' which are well-suited for culinary use.
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Other Organic Ingredients (Highly Recommended):
While the lavender is the star, using other organic ingredients contributes to a fully organic syrup.
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Organic Sugar: Choose organic granulated sugar.
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Filtered Water: While not always certified "organic," using filtered water can improve the purity and taste of your syrup.
Basic Recipe for Homemade Organic Lavender Simple Syrup:
The method is the same as for any lavender simple syrup, just with organic ingredients.
Ingredients:
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1 cup (240ml) Water (filtered recommended)
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1 cup (200g) Organic Granulated Sugar
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1-3 tablespoons Organic Dried Culinary Lavender Buds (adjust to your taste)
Equipment:
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Small saucepan
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Whisk or spoon
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Fine-mesh strainer
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Clean, airtight glass jar or bottle for storage
Instructions:
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Combine Water and Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine the water and organic granulated sugar.
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Heat and Dissolve: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk or stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but avoid a rapid boil.
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Add Lavender: Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the organic culinary lavender buds.
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Steep: Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the lavender steep in the hot syrup.
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Steeping Time: Start with about 15-20 minutes. For a stronger flavor, you can steep for up to 30-60 minutes. Be cautious not to over-steep, as it can sometimes lead to a slightly bitter or "soapy" taste.
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Strain: After steeping, pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into your clean glass jar or bottle. Discard the lavender buds. For a perfectly clear syrup, you can strain again through cheesecloth.
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Cool and Store: Let the syrup cool completely to room temperature before covering it tightly and refrigerating.
Storage:
Homemade organic lavender simple syrup will last for 2-3 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
By selecting certified organic culinary lavender and organic sugar, you can easily create a delicious, pure, and organic lavender syrup right in your own kitchen!
