What are common uses for lavender in cooking?

Lavender's unique floral and slightly herbaceous flavor makes it a fascinating ingredient in both sweet and savory cooking. The key is to use culinary-grade English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and to use it sparingly, as its flavor can be potent and turn "soapy" if overused.

Here are common uses for lavender in cooking:

I. Sweet Culinary Applications (Most Common):

1. Syrups:

   • Simple Syrup: Lavender simple syrup is highly popular. It's made by steeping lavender buds in hot sugar water and then straining. This syrup can then be used to:

     • Flavor cocktails (e.g., lavender lemonade, lavender gin fizz).

     • Sweeten teas and coffees (e.g., lavender lattes).

     • Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or fresh fruit.

     • Moisten cake layers for added flavor and moisture.

2. Baked Goods:

   • Cakes & Cupcakes: Infuse lavender into batters, glazes, or buttercreams. Lemon-lavender cake is a classic pairing.

   • Cookies & Scones: Add finely chopped lavender buds or lavender sugar to shortbread, sugar cookies, or scone dough.

   • Muffins: Blueberry-lavender muffins are a favorite.

   • Breads: A subtle addition to sweet breads or even foccacia.

3. Desserts:

   • Ice Cream & Sorbet: Infuse lavender into cream or fruit bases for homemade ice cream or sorbet. Honey-lavender ice cream is particularly delightful.

   • Custards & Panna Cotta: Add a hint of lavender to custards, crème brûlée, or panna cotta.

   • Chocolates & Confections: Lavender can be used in truffles, ganaches, or homemade marshmallows.

   • Jams & Jellies: Incorporate into fruit jams (especially berry or peach) for an elevated flavor profile.

4. Sugar & Salt:

   • Lavender Sugar: Blend dried lavender buds with granulated sugar. This can then be used in any recipe calling for sugar to add a subtle floral note.

   • Lavender Salt: Mix lavender with salt for finishing dishes, especially savory ones.

II. Savory Culinary Applications (Use Very Sparingly):

While less common than sweet uses, lavender can add a sophisticated touch to savory dishes, often complementing Mediterranean flavors.

1. Meat Rubs & Marinades:

   • Used in rubs for roasted chicken, lamb, or pork. Its herbaceous notes pair well with these meats.

   • Can be included in marinades, often with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil.

2. Herbes de Provence: Lavender is a traditional ingredient in this classic French herb blend, which is used to season roasted vegetables, meats, and stews.

3. Dressings & Vinaigrettes:

   • A small amount can be whisked into salad dressings, particularly those with a citrus or balsamic base. Pairs well with salads containing fruit or goat cheese.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle finely chopped lavender over roasted potatoes, carrots, or other root vegetables.

5. Cheese Pairings: A light drizzle of lavender-infused honey or a sprinkle of buds can elevate soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie.

6. Soups and Sauces: A very subtle addition to creamy soups or certain sauces to add an aromatic depth.

General Tips for Cooking with Lavender:

• Always use Culinary-Grade English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Other lavender varieties can be too camphorous or bitter for consumption.

• A Little Goes a Long Way: Lavender's flavor is potent. Start with a very small amount (e.g., 1/2 teaspoon of dried buds for a batch of cookies) and increase gradually in future attempts if desired. Overuse can make dishes taste "soapy" or like perfume.

• Infusion vs. Direct Addition: For delicate flavors, infusing lavender into liquids (like milk, cream, sugar syrup, or oil) and then straining out the buds is often preferred. For baked goods or rubs, finely chopping the dried buds and adding them directly works well.

• Pairing Flavors: Lavender pairs wonderfully with:

  • Fruits: Lemon, orange, berries (blueberry, raspberry, strawberry), peach, apricot.

  • Sweeteners: Honey, vanilla.

  • Herbs & Spices: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, mint, black pepper, chocolate.

  • Dairy: Cream, butter, cheese.

Cooking with lavender offers a unique opportunity to experiment with a floral, aromatic dimension in your dishes.