Culinary lavender is a specific type of lavender that is safe and delicious to use in cooking and baking. While all lavender flowers are technically edible, not all varieties taste good. The term "culinary lavender" generally refers to English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which is prized for its sweet, floral flavor and low camphor content. Camphor is a compound that gives certain lavenders a strong, medicinal, or soapy taste, which is undesirable in food.
The flavor of culinary lavender is unique and hard to describe, but it often has sweet floral notes with hints of rosemary, mint, and citrus. It should be used as a subtle accent, not the main flavor, to enhance a dish without being overpowering. The key to successful cooking with lavender is to use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
Culinary lavender's versatility makes it a popular ingredient in a wide range of recipes. In sweet dishes, it pairs beautifully with fruits like berries and citrus, as well as with honey and vanilla. You can use it to infuse sugar for cookies and cakes, steep it in milk or cream for custards and ice cream, or create a lavender simple syrup for cocktails and lattes. For savory dishes, culinary lavender is a classic component of the French herb blend herbes de Provence and works wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken and lamb. It can also be used to infuse oils or create unique spice rubs.
When looking to purchase culinary lavender, it's essential to check the label to ensure it is food-safe and grown without harmful pesticides. The most common and recommended varieties for cooking are 'Munstead,' 'Hidcote,' and 'Royal Velvet,' all of which are types of English lavender.
Whether you've been inspired by the serene rows of a lavender farm in Door County WI or you're looking to buy lavender online to experiment with this unique ingredient, culinary lavender is a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance and natural flavor to your kitchen creations. For a quality product, check out the Aromatic Lavender Buds, Small at this link: https://islandlavender.com/products/aromatic-lavender-buds-small.