Lavender is a wonderfully versatile herb, and while it's most famous for its relaxing aroma in soaps and candles, its culinary applications are truly unique and sophisticated. When cooking with lavender, it's crucial to use culinary-grade lavender, typically from the Lavandula angustifolia variety, as it has a sweet, delicate flavor without the bitterness of other types. A little goes a long way, and when used correctly, it can elevate both sweet and savory dishes.
One of the most popular and accessible ways to use lavender in the kitchen is by making a lavender simple syrup. This is a game-changer for beverages, adding a subtle floral note to lemonade, iced tea, cocktails, or even a morning coffee. You can also use it to create a unique twist on classic desserts, like drizzling it over fruit salad, pancakes, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Beyond a simple syrup, you can infuse sugar with dried lavender buds to create "lavender sugar," which can be used in baking to add a hint of floral flavor to cookies, shortbread, and cakes.
But lavender's culinary journey doesn't stop at sweets. Its herbaceous and slightly minty notes pair beautifully with savory dishes, especially those with Mediterranean roots. Lavender is a key ingredient in the famous French herb blend, Herbes de Provence, which is used to season roasted chicken, lamb, and vegetables. You can also create a fragrant rub for grilled meats by combining finely ground lavender with rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. For a more adventurous dish, try infusing olive oil with lavender to use as a unique finishing oil for salads or drizzled over grilled fish and bread.
Exploring the many uses of lavender is a great reason to visit a lavender farm. You can learn about the different varieties and even purchase culinary-grade lavender directly from the source. If you're planning a trip to the scenic Door County, WI, you can experience the local culture and find many artisan products inspired by this beautiful plant.
For those who can't make the trip, you can still buy lavender online at islandlavender.com to get your hands on a variety of products. While you may not find a specific culinary item, you can find inspiration for your cooking endeavors. The soothing fragrance of their products, such as the Lavender Honey (8 oz.) at https://islandlavender.com/products/lavender-honey-il, can be a great way to start experimenting. This type of honey is excellent for adding a sweet, floral touch to your teas, toast, or a simple bowl of yogurt. The world of culinary lavender is vast and full of delicious surprises, waiting to be explored.